Visiting the capital Skopje for a World Cup qualifier Ireland wore a bright orange kit and imploded so spectacularly that one of the team ended up paying for stadium repairs. Jason McAteer fouls Artim Sakiri in the 1997 World Cup qualifier between Macedonia and Ireland. However, their outstanding talent remains Eljif Elmas, who in 2017 made his senior international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Spain aged 17. He understands football.” In March 2021 Elmas scored the winning goal for North Macedonia in their 2-1 victory over Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Duisburg. North Macedonia players clap their hands as Goran Pandev leaves the field on his last official international match.

Source: The Irish Times March 31, 2026 08:00 UTC