Germany will be hoping to avoid another humiliation at the hands of North Macedonia when the two nations meet in World Cup qualifying on Monday.
North Macedonia claimed a famous victory over the Germans back in March, winning 2-1 in Germany to enhance their World Cup ambitions.
Македонија славеше со 4:0 против Лихтенштајн. Браво момци. #НапредМакедонија pic.twitter.com/5hrFgvUKIo— FFM (@ffmmkd) October 8, 2021
Македонија славеше со 4:0 против Лихтенштајн. Браво момци. #НапредМакедонија pic.twitter.com/5hrFgvUKIo
As it stands in Group J, first-place Germany find themselves six points ahead of second-place North Macedonia, who are level with third-place Armenia on 12 points.
The North Macedonians have only lost one of their seven qualifiers this campaign, picking up three wins and three draws along the way.
Having netted 15 goals in seven games, they are the second-highest scorers in Group J, while they also boast the second-best defensive record.
Following a disappointing group-stage exit from Euro 2020, North Macedonia have bounced back with one win and three draws in WCQ.
After drawing with Armenia, Iceland and Romania, North Macedonia thrashed Liechtenstein 4-0 last time out.
The visitors enjoyed a whopping 80% possession and racked up 26 shots, while the hosts failed to register a single shot on target.
By their own high standards, Germany endured a below-par Euro 2020 campaign – falling to England in the round of 16.
Since then, however, they have secured four straight WCQ wins and have taken control of Group J in the process.
The Germans scored a combined total of 12 goals across wins over Lichenstein, Armenia and Iceland last month and also kept three clean sheets.
Hansi Flick’s men came from behind to beat Romania last week, with Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller grabbing the goals.
Not only did they enjoy 78% possession against the Romanians, but they also notched 22 shots. By contrast, the visitors only managed one attempt on target.
Head-to-head: As we already know, North Macedonia claimed a shock 2-1 victory over Germany back in March. That was also the first-ever meeting between the two countries.
Still, it is worth pointing out that Germany dominated the previous encounters – chalking up 70% possession and 11 shots.
Team news: North Macedonia duo Visar Musliu and Tihomir Kostadinov are both available for selection again after serving their suspensions last week.
As for Germany, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to replace the injured Manuel Neuer in goal. Left-back Robin Gosens is also sidelined, meaning PSG’s Thilo Kehreh could come into the XI.
Although North Macedonia secured a famous win over Germany back in March, Flick’s men are expected to gain their revenge this time around.
Forebet predicts that Germany will keep a clean sheet on their way to sealing a low-scoring victory over North Macedonia.