Greetings from a Macedonian in USA, and a long time supporter of Manchester United.
Sorry for the loss. I want to give praise to the tartan army, and Scots in general for being great sportsmen in this tie. I am not aware of any fights, and issues between the two supporters. You guys came to Macedonia and had the generosity to give to less fortunate kids. Thank you. That is how you build bridges, long lasting friendships and respect.
When comparing the visiting fans from England when we played them, I have to say that you were milles better. I think that many folks thoght that traveling fans from Scottland would come to Macedonia, get drunk and get in fights. You compley changed that perspective.
In regards to the game, I have to say that you only played well in the last 10 minutes in the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second. That was the time why you had the oportunity to do a free flowing football, stringig passes and finding holes in our midfield. I think that if you played 4-5-1 (with McFaden on top) you would have had better oportunity to do that against our 4 man midfield.
Now, when Commons and Boyd came in the second half they created more, but that was partly because of their fresh legs and the fact that Macedonia started to defend and allowed more of your possesion.
The ref was bit crapy for both teams. I know he gave a few soft fouls for scotland as well. In terms of the penalty, I am not sure if on Mc faden it was because he got the ball. But I am slightly biased. I was watching the game on a stream from the Macedonian TV so they did not had a good replay on the Pandev shot that might have hit ne of your players in the box.
Also, Craig somehow moved his hand few inches to the left to defend the thunderbolt from velice in the second half that would have made things much more different.
Fletcher was dissapoting for you. I have seen him in so many big games for United where he has ran his socks off, but yesterday was non existent, and missed a good oportunity.
The core of the Macedonain team, has been playing together for about 6 years so they know each other very well. These guys all play abroad, so they have the composure and the qualities. Maybe it is our cycle, like Slovenia did with Srecko, to make ti to the WC.
Good luck in Iceland.