The North Macedonia team is largely unknown in Germany. Darko Churlinov plays in the 2nd Bundesliga FC Schalke 04, Enis Bardhi in the Primera Division U.D Levant. as “Macedonian prodigy” is the 22-year-old Eljif Elmas referred to, who at SSC Napoli plays in Serie A and is expected to start after serving a suspension.
“Won’t be another surprise”
Coach Blagoja Milevski’s team is captained by Dinamo Zagreb’s Stefan Ristovski. The full-back previously played alongside Bruno at Sporting Lisbon Fernandes. The two are considered good friends. There is a photo in which the Portuguese midfielder from Manchester United posing in a Macedonian jersey that Ristovski gave him.
Cristiano Ronaldo, superstar of Portugal’s star-studded side and club-mate of Fernandes, is certain that there will be “no more surprises”. Especially because of the home advantage, the favorite will prevail and he will play another World Cup at the age of almost 38.
Poland vs Sweden – Lewandowski vs Ibrahimovic
Extracts of the game between Portugal and North Macedonia will be shown after the live transmission of the friendly between the Netherlands and Germany in the first, as well as the match between Poland and Sweden. Here, too, world stars meet who are already significantly older than 30 years. Poland relies on goals from Robert Lewandowski (33), Sweden on those of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is even 40 years old.
In the previous play-off against the Czech Republic, which Sweden won 1-0 after extra time through a goal by former Mainz player Robin Quaison, Ibrahimovic was suspended. Poland had won the semi-final without having to play, having been drawn against Russia, ostracized for its war against Ukraine.
This led to a test against Scotland, who are unlikely to play their semi-final against Ukraine until June. The winner of this duel then plays another World Cup participant in an away game against Wales.