The Cair Arena was shaking, the hall went crazy, the players celebrated on the field, all pressure fell from them – and the rest was a big  Macedonian party with minute long chants: Thanks to the thrilling but deserved 27:21 victory over Czech Republic, the  Macedonians qualified for the Main Round in Belgrade.

Like Sweden, they take 1:3 points to the next stage, German became the group winner and take four points to Belgrade.  And the Czechs failed and have to leave home after a massive and intense match.

The first half was completely on the edge, with no team leading with a more than a two-goal margin. The  Macedonians could once again count on the great support of their 4000 spectators, which stood as one behind their team.

Until the score of 9:8 the Balkan team was in lead, then the Czechs scored three straight goals to 11:9 due to their higher efficiency in attack. But the  Macedonians fought hard for their last chance to proceed to the Main Round in match full of emotions and intensity.

At halftime the Czechs still were on their way to Belgrade, as the score was 12:12 – and a draw would have been enough for them.

The crowd went crazy with nearly 100 decibel, when their red and yellow dressed team scored a double strike at the re-start – and even had enough chances to extend the distance, but failed against Czech goalkeeper Petr Stochl.

With a one man advantage the  Macedonians even went away to 15:12 and 16:13 – and they pushed their fans to become even louder.  Hardly any one of them was sitting anymore, all stood or jumped on the stands.

With an intense fighting defence and their back court sharp shooters the  Macedonians remained ahead with mostly three goals in the middle of the second half.

Then the Balkan team used their great chance to pre-decide the game with a two man advantage – and they went away to 21:17 in minute 48, when Vladimir Temelkov hit the net. Cheered by “Kiro, Kiro” chants, then Kiril Lazarov took the responsibility with two goals, but as nearly every Czech shot was a goal, too, the distance remained three or four goals.

At the 24:20 the  Macedonians missed four chances to decide the game – and the thriller became more hectic. But when coach Shundovski took his time-out 100 seconds before the end and the score of 24:21, all knew that their “Tour of Serbia” will continue.

On the other hand there was the bitter end of the Czech campaign. After beating Germany in their opener, they now have to turn home as last team of the group.

Best Player award – Czech Republic: Filip Jicha
Best Player award –  Macedonia: Filip Mirkulovski