Wales take on North Macedonia in a World Cup Qualifier this evening in the capital Skopje.

Head Coach, Craig Bellamy spoke about the game today suggesting this encounter will be nothing like the victory over Kazakhstan on Saturday. “North Macedonia is a different game to Kazakhstan. We knew that beforehand so it hasn’t changed anything to what we’re looking to do. We’ve had to review the game quickly and there were some really positive bits. There were some things we need to improve on, but overall I’m very happy and it’s another game that allows us to progress. I never see us an underdog. I’m not an underdog, I never have been. I will not accept that. Favourites? I hope so. It doesn’t mean you take it for granted. I always look at it as a game of football. Can we have fun? Can we enjoy it ?”

Bellamy is no doubt aware of the last time the teams met. Albeit twelve years ago Wales lost 2-1.

That last comment sums up the mindset of Bellamy which after seven games in charge remains undefeated. As he stated on the weekend that won’t go in forever, but to start the World Cup campaign with a positive result going into this game is a golden opportunity to stamp yiur authoroty on the group. After tonight’s game there will be a break until the end of the football season. Wales then face Liechtenstein at home on June 6th then Belgium away at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 9th.

North Macedonia boss, Blagoja Milevski is the main man in charge of the opposition this evening, his side have won their last six games, and regardless of the opposition that’s a good run. He is going all out for the win hence Bellamy’s comments that this is another unique game. Teams and more information later.

Over 2,000 Wales followers will be at the game this evening, the Red Wall majority enjoying the city and being together as one in support of their country. There have been a few issues, one we reported on this morning. That’s below.

⚽️ Big man attacking Wales followers

By all accounts this hooligan was ‘spoken to’ by Football Wales staff and the South Wales Police last night and again this morning. What we want to hear now is him being banned from attending Wales games not just spoken to after assaulting two people in Montenegro and then Macedonia yesterday. Our general experience of South Wales Police is that they tend to look for an easy way out when faced with these type of situations as we explained in the link above. However, with so many followers of the national team now attending away games plus some being families and younger people they need protecting from individuals who spoil these trips and invading other peoples space and enjoyment. That’s the role of the police who work within football liaison so let’s see how we get on with his latest incident.

Under the criminal code in North Macedonia and knowing what the police in the country have access to regards evidence already provided by witnesses to this latest incident - he could have easily been processed for affray. Even without a criminal complaint.

If we refer to one of the current football liaison officers commenting very recently on his role. Pc Christian Evans (above) said: "This incident (Bristol City recently) did not involve any home fans and the vast majority of away supporters behaved impeccably but unfortunately a small minority were intent on causing trouble. We are committed to keeping football a safe environment where people are able to take their families without fear of violence “

Here’s hoping we see no loss tonight and our country continues on an upwards trajectory under Bellamy.

Match report later on the Indy.

Photographs Reuters & open source