Unseen drama in final minute of North Macedonia - Portugal match

Unseen drama in Herning in the final minute of North Macedonia’s match against Portugal.

Portugal had the last attack with the score tied at 29:29, CE Report quotes MIA.

North Macedonia needed a win, the score was even, and the ball was in the opponent’s hands. The Portuguese shot from the left side, Tomovski saved, but the ball came back into Portugal’s hands. North Macedonia was unlucky. There were still half a minute left, and the Bosnian referees were allowing Portugal long attacks.

Another attack followed, North Macedonia defended well, and about twenty seconds before the end, the Portuguese shot again, once more from the left side. Tomovski saved, the ball came to Serafimov, and it seemed like North Macedonia had a glimmer of hope for a victory. Twenty seconds — enough time for a quick counterattack, a shot, and a possible goal if North Macedonia could execute it without being fouled. That could have given North Macedonia a win, which certainly wouldn’t advance North Macedonia further.

Then, inexplicably, in a fraction of a second, the ball bounced off Serafimov’s hands and went out of bounds. That was the end of North Macedonia's hopes and ambitions. Portugal had one last attack, held the ball until the end, and the referees signaled the finish of the match. The game ended in a 29:29 draw.

North Macedonia's last group-stage match will be on 20 January, against Romania.

фото: принтскрин, моментот кога Серафимов ја испушта топката.