Goran Stankovski: North Macedonia U15 satisfied with World Cup performance in Baku

The North Macedonia under-15 team (generation 2011) took part in the 7+1 World Cup staged in Baku, Azerbaijan, between October 22 and November 1. Head coach Goran Stankovski said he is pleased with the squad’s overall showing and highlighted the experience gained by the players.

"I am happy that we are the first national team to take part in a World Cup where we had a notable performance and I am satisfied with what we achieved. In ten matches we have six wins, one draw and three defeats. Unfortunately we were not very lucky with the draw because we faced extremely tough opponents, who are above all physically superior, but on the other hand already in the first match we showed that we can stand up to such teams, above all the strongest in our group, the Panama selection, whom we beat 4:1. Unfortunately after that match we had problems with player injuries and until the end of the first phase we were constantly missing three to four players. Precisely because of that it is hard to maintain a level across a series of games played at high intensity. I am very grateful to the players who bore the main burden, who were practically forced to play much more because we did not have the possibility to rotate in the team, but that was not a reason for us not to play well in duels with truly strong opponents," Stankovski said.

Experience and next steps

Stankovski said the tournament format and the number of matches were important for the youngsters’ development and confidence on the international stage.

"The appearance at this tournament is very important for acquiring the necessary international experience for all players. Primarily, it is good that they had the chance to see that we can be on equal terms with any opponents because before leaving for Azerbaijan there was a visible dose of fear among them about what to expect at this championship. From match to match they became aware that they have the quality to play with all teams, to be equal or even better, and this is a huge experience for them at the start of their careers," the coach added.

After returning from Baku the team will continue work in Skopje with intensive training and planned friendly matches. "We will train in Skopje, we plan new friendly games. The first ties after the break are the matches with Montenegro, in spring we expect participation in a UEFA development tournament, and everything will conclude with participation in the qualifiers for the European Championship," Stankovski said.

Stankovski closed by stressing the depth of talent in the 2011 generation and his belief that several players will progress all the way to the senior national team.

Photo: press material from the event