Bosnia fail to break down North Macedonia in World Cup warm-up

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team drew 0–0 against North Macedonia in a friendly match at Koševo Stadium.

Sergej Barbarez’s team was slightly more dangerous in the opening phase of the match and already threatened in the 4th minute through Kerim Alajbegović, who hit the crossbar after a strong individual run.

Just a minute later, Amar Dedić set up Esmir Bajraktarević, whose attempt was blocked by the North Macedonian defence, CE Report informs via Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation's official website.

In the 32nd minute, the visitors created a big chance. After a misunderstanding in the Bosnia and Herzegovina defence, the ball reached Bojan Miovski, who managed to chip goalkeeper Martin Zlomislić, but Stjepan Radeljić made a brilliant goal-line clearance to prevent a certain goal.

Two minutes later, the “Dragons” had another opportunity. In a crowded penalty area, Jovo Lukić and Samed Baždar both tried to push the ball into the net, but the Macedonians managed to clear it from their box.

The biggest chance of the first half came in stoppage time, when Bajraktarević delivered a precise cross and Samed Baždar headed the ball onto the post, leaving the score unchanged.

In the second half, the tempo dropped as both teams made numerous substitutions. The best chance after the break came in the 69th minute for Ermedin Demirović, but his shot went just wide of the goal.

In the closing stages, Bosnia and Herzegovina threatened again. In the 80th minute, Ivan Bašić delivered an excellent free kick, but the North Macedonia goalkeeper made a difficult save to keep a clean sheet.

Before the World Cup, the “Dragons” will play one more friendly match against Panama in St. Louis on June 6.

Photo Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation