Kuzmanoski: The boys showed character, fighting spirit and team unity!

The North Macedonia cadet handball team notched a third straight victory at the European Championship in Belgrade on 06.08.2026, sealing qualification for next year’s World Championship with a 32-34 win over the Faroe Islands.

The match was another tough test for the youngsters: Macedonia finished the game down two players after Petar Nikoloski and Stefan Gjorgieski received red cards, and Trajche Kostov played through an injury — a fractured finger — and still scored the final goal. Despite those problems, the side kept its composure and closed out the result.

“This was a very tough match, against the Faroe Islands, a team that has an excellent game system and plays 7 on 6 almost to perfection. Already in the first half we managed to neutralize their main player Skipagotu. The defense worked excellently, and in attack we were patient, disciplined and knew exactly what we wanted to play.

Gaps closed, leaders stepped up

We opened the second half well and successfully maintained the lead. However, after the dismissal of Petar Nikoloski, our main defensive player, we felt a drop in defence, especially on positions three and four. In those moments Marko Gjorchevski took on great responsibility, who excellently closed the gaps and helped us bring the match to the desired end.

We also had additional bad luck, because Stefan Gjorgieski received a red card, and Trajche Kostov played with an injury, namely a broken finger, and scored the last goal. But despite all the problems, the boys showed character, fighting spirit and team unity. That is why I believe we deserved this victory,” said coach Goran Kuzmanoski.

Macedonia will now compete for places 9–12. Kuzmanoski noted the scale of the achievement, pointing out that teams such as Sweden and Norway lie behind them in the standings but warning against complacency.

“We are rightfully in 12th place and behind us remain teams like Sweden and Norway. Still, we must not relax. We have two more matches ahead and must remain fully focused. If we manage to secure ninth place at this European Championship, it will be a huge success for this team, which undoubtedly has quality and a great future,” Kuzmanoski added.

North Macedonia plays again tomorrow against Portugal as it continues its campaign in Belgrade.

Photo: press material from the event