Wales snatch dramatic draw in North Macedonia

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North Macedonia 1 - 1 Wales

Wales salvaged a dramatic World Cup qualifying draw in North Macedonia after a chaotic finale, where they conceded in stoppage time only for David Brooks to snatch an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game.

Author - Stephen Chad

Stadium - Toše Proeski Arena

World Cup Qualifying - World Cup Qualifying ~ North Macedonia v Wales

For 90 minutes, the contest had been edging towards a goalless draw, but a calamitous backpass from substitute Joe Allen gifted Bojan Miovski a golden chance. The Macedonian forward made no mistake, latching onto the loose ball and finishing coolly to send the home crowd into raptures.

With defeat looming, Wales threw everything forward. Kieffer Moore rose highest to nod the ball down and Brooks reacted quickest, bundling it home from close range. The visitors erupted in celebration, an odd sight given the frustration that had gripped them only moments earlier.

But in the circumstances, this was a dramatic way to extend their unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying and Craig Bellamy’s unblemished record as head coach.

READ MORE: England ease to comfortable win over Latvia

North Macedonia remain top of Group J, ahead of Wales on goal difference, with group favourites Belgium yet to play due to their Nations League commitments. Wales will resume their campaign in June with a home fixture against Liechtenstein before a crucial trip to Belgium.

Wales had controlled large spells of the game but struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances. Sorba Thomas scuffed a shot from a promising position in the first half while Brennan Johnson saw a second-half effort cleared off the line.

READ MORE: Wales promoted in Nations League

Then, after 90 minutes of sparring, the game suddenly exploded into life. North Macedonia delivered what looked like a knockout punch only for Wales to drag themselves off the canvas at the last moment.

One Welsh fan who was in attendance said: "It was a beautiful stadium in Skopje tonight, but the game on the pitch was disappointing. A late error from Wales suggested we were heading home without points, until a last-minute equalizer sparked absolute chaos."

Location: North Macedonia

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