Alimi ends Estonia resistance

F.Y.R. Macedonia earned their first victory in qualification while condemning Estonia to a second consecutive defeat in Group 5.

Alimi winner
F.Y.R. Macedonia dominated the match and were rewarded with a 75th-minute winning goal provided by Armend Alimi's low 18-metre drive. The hosts had started the brighter with a long-range shot by Jovan Kostovski and an Alimi free-kick signalling their intent. Aleksandar Stojanovski was denied by Stanislav Pedok with just the Estonia goalkeeper to beat, and the visitors nearly made them pay only for Darko Tofiloski to save Vladislav Gussev’s effort. Alimi eventually put the home side in front but Estonia came near to taking a point late on when substitute Sergei Zenjov missed from close range at the death. "It was tough match. We played well and I was satisfied with the result," F.Y.R. Macedonia coach Mirsad Jonuz.