Cymru bounce back in World Cup qualifier with late, late drama

North Macedonia 1-1 Cymru

• Bojan Miovoski gives North Macedonia added time lead
• David Brooks scores equaliser on 90+6 minutes
• Four points from opening two World Cup qualifiers

Late, late drama. A crazy finish in Skopje as Cymru rescued a point with the last kick of the game through substitute David Brooks. 

Football had been put into perspective with the tragedy that occurred in North Macedonia that claimed the lives of 59 people just over a week ago, and it seemed the stars had aligned for them on an emotional night when they took the lead in added-time. But there was another twist to come. 

Jordan James almost gave Cymru the perfect start inside the first minute but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. The chance set the tone for the early exchanges as Tihomir Kostadinov responded by going straight down the other end but his shot went wide of Karl Darlow’s right-hand post. Few could have predicted at that point that it would remain goalless until the 92nd minute.

Dan James was constant problem for North Macedonia on the right for Cymru and his efforts were matched on the left by Sorba Thomas. However, the home side maintained a disciplined last line of defence while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack. It was clear to see how this side had kept six clean sheets in their last six games.

Thomas had the best chance of the opening half on 33 minutes but he failed to convert a cross from Jordan James, while Josh Sheehan tried his luck from long-range but Dimitrievski made a comfortable save. Despite Cymru having the better of the possession, North Macedonia forced a couple of late corners, with Ezgjan Alioski shooting high and wide with their best opportunity.

Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy rolled his attacking dice throughout the 2nd half with the introductions of Kieffer Moore, David Brooks and Rabbi Matondo. The visitors had enjoyed the majority of possession and created the better chances throughout the match, but substitute Darko Churlinov forced Karl Darlow to make the save of the match on 65 minutes to lift the spirits of the home team.

North Macedonia were visibly boosted by Cymru failing to make their superiority count as the match entered the final minutes, but it was an uncharacteristic mistake from substitute Joe Allen that allowed Bojan Miovski the time and space to score in added-time as he intercepted his misplaced back-pass.

Despite the setback, Cymru responded with a real desire to make amends, and Brooks delivered with the equaliser with the final action of a match that will only be remembered for the absolute chaos that brought it to a close.