Serbia finish with a flourish against FYROM

Serbia triumphed 5-1 in Jagodina to consign the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to a bottom-place finish in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A.

The result seemed in little doubt from the moment Stefan Ristovski put through his own net with 16 minutes on the clock. Dušan Basta's goal and an Aleksandar Kolarov penalty added to the first-half advantage before Dušan Tadić and substitute Stefan Šćepović provided a crescendo, albeit one that was tempered by a late Adis Jahovik consolation.

Ristovski's own goal set an ominous tone for the visitors, who fell further behind when Udinese Calcio defender Basta headed in three minutes later. Without an away success in nine previous qualifiers, FYROM's first-half misery was compounded by Kolarov, who scored with precision from the spot.

Serbia refused to relent after half-time, Tadić sweeping beyond visiting keeper Tome Pacovski, who was beaten again by a sweet Šćepović strike after 73 minutes. Jahovik then emerged from the bench and ensured the Macedonians went home with at least something to cheer.