Miovski’s Brilliance Secures Victory for North Macedonia Against Underdogs Liechtenstein in World Cup Qualifier

Bojan Miovski’s impressive performance, featuring a goal and an assist, set the tone for North Macedonia’s journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they secured a convincing 3-0 triumph over Liechtenstein. This match marked Liechtenstein’s twelfth consecutive defeat in home qualifiers.

Held at the Rheinpark Stadion, the qualifier was graced by a stunning view of the snow-capped Alps shining under the springtime sun.

While the picturesque scenery delighted onlookers, Liechtenstein’s recent track record left much to be desired as they faced a North Macedonia team determined to make their mark by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup.

It didn’t take long for the visiting team to showcase their dominance. Miovski skillfully evaded Sandro Wieser and rounded Benjamin Buchel, setting up Aleksandar Trajkovski for a straightforward header into an unguarded net.

Blagoja Milevski’s squad appeared largely at ease, though they nearly found themselves level when Villiam Pizzi made a burst down the left wing, nearly sending a shot past Stole Dimitrievski.

Elif Elmas had a goal disallowed for offside at the opposite end, but North Macedonia doubled their lead just before half-time, thanks to Visar Musliu. The Sint-Truidense defender executed a brilliant acrobatic volley from close range after Isnik Alimi flicked on Enis Bardhi’s corner.

Shortly after the interval, Elmas nearly added to the scoreline, drifting into a central area outside the box, but his shot drifted wide of the post.

He was soon back in the action after receiving a pinpoint pass from Darko Churlinov inside the box; however, his header was met with a superb save from Büchel.

Churlinov then sought to get on the scoresheet himself, cleverly manoeuvring into the box, but Büchel stood firm once more. Miovski completed the scoring by expertly volleying home Bojan Ilievski’s cross, capping off a stellar performance for the visitors.

North Macedonia comfortably managed the closing minutes of the match, registering their fourth consecutive triumph over Liechtenstein without conceding. They have now lost only one of their last seven away World Cup qualifiers and will be gearing up for a tougher challenge when they host Wales in Skopje on Tuesday. Conversely, it looks like a long campaign ahead for Konrad Funfstuck’s Liechtenstein side, as they prepare to face Kazakhstan on the same day.