North Macedonia – Wales

The home team is in almost better playing shape than their opponents

In qualifying group J of the World Cup qualification, a rather interesting bunch has emerged. It would seem that Belgium are the clear and unconditional favourites here. However, before the return match against Ukraine in the play-off for the right to play in League A of the Nations League, the Belgians have a four-match losing streak and a six-match winless streak. That means that between Wales, Kazakhstan and Northern Macedonia, there could be a fight for more than just the second position. These teams are capable of displacing the favourite from the first position. North Macedonia got a taste of the big football tournament not so long ago, having managed to qualify for EURO 2020. The Red Lions didn't find success there, crashing out of the group stage with no points, but fans and players are eager to be part of such a footballing feast. Wales have become quite a fixture on the continent's football map over the past decade and a half. The direct rivals will meet in Skopje on Tuesday, which makes the responsibility for the result more acute. Bookmakers have identified the visitors as favourites for the upcoming encounter, offering odds of 2.41 on their victory. In the second half of last year, North Macedonia total domination in League B of the Nations League. While in the first round in the Faroe Islands they parted with the local team in peace, they won the next five rounds without conceding a goal. The Red Lions also won in Liechtenstein, where they started world qualification a couple of days ago. The outsider was defeated 3-0. Northern Macedonia are clearly ready to face Wales. Wales have produced excellent results for the first time since their breakthrough at UEFA EURO 2016. This time in the Nations League. The team played in the same quartet as Iceland, Turkey and Montenegro. Twice with the Turks and once with the Icelanders the Welsh made peace, the other three matches were won. Given that the British national team did not qualify for the last UEFA EURO in Germany and had a pale appearance at the World Cup in Qatar, at least the next Nations League will present them with matches against top-class opponents. The Welsh defeated Kazakhstan 3-1 in their first match of world qualification. It will be much harder for them to realise their attacking potential in Skopje.