Kozák thrilled for Slovaks, praises FYR Macedonia

• Slovakia's record still perfect in Group C after 2-0 win in FYR Macedonia
• Ján Kozák praises hosts and also second goalscorer Adam Nemec
• Slovakia coach admits four wins have changed their expectations
• FYR Macedonia's Boshko Djurovski satisfied but says he will make changes
• Next games: FYR Macedonia v Belarus, Slovakia v Luxembourg (27 March)

Ján Kozák, Slovakia coach
This was a very difficult match for us as we expected it would be. We knew FYR Macedonia are improving their form game by game in this campaign and I think they were excellent tonight as well. They were on the offensive, kept attacking us and I think they had the biggest number of chances of all our opponents so far.

Mentally this was the hardest match for us so far because unlike the games against Spain and Ukraine, even Belarus, tonight we were regarded as favourites. The players answered this challenge in the best possible way.

Before the start of qualifying, we thought we would fight Belarus and FYR Macedonia for third place. Now we have four victories from as many matches and the situation is drastically changed to our benefit.

I was aware Adam Nemec is not a regular starter for his club [1. FC Union Berlin] this season but I know very well that he is a great player and so I took a calculated risk by putting him in the starting XI. This paid off in the end. He had a great game, he scored the second goal and I'm very happy for him.

Personally I didn't expect so many of our fans to come from Slovakia to support us tonight. They were simply fantastic and I think this victory was the best way to express our gratitude for the huge support we got throughout the evening.

Boshko Djurovski, FYR Macedonia coach
Slovakia came to Skopje to take the three points, they succeeded in doing that and I congratulate them on their victory.

We started on the front foot with two attackers because we wanted to go for victory. I think the key factor for our defeat was poor defensive play, where some of our players lack confidence. Slovakia exploited this in the best possible manner and punished us with two quick goals. In the second half we continued to be aggressive, had a lot of chances but unfortunately weren't able to score, which would have brought us right back into the match.

Generally I'm pleased with the way we played but, looking ahead, we will certainly make changes in our defensive lineup. I don't want to have players who don't have confidence, therefore I'll give an opportunity to some new players who have belief in their abilities and will not be intimidated by opponents.

Even though we lost three points tonight, we are still not giving up in the fight for third place. Stay optimistic. After tonight, though, we'll certainly make a thorough analysis.