North Macedonia v Wales LIVE: Reaction and result as Brooks rescues a point in stoppage time madness

David Brooks scored with the final kick of the game in stoppage time drama to spare Craig Bellamy’s unbeaten record as Wales rescued a point against North Macedonia.

The hosts thought they’d won it as Bojan Miovski capitalised on a defensive error from Joe Allen to slot home past Karl Darlow in the 91st minute.

But in the sixth minute of added time - two minutes more than the allotted four - Brooks poked into the opposition net to equalise and ensure his side didn’t lose ground early in the race for World Cup qualification.

The game looked destined to end goalless after an uneventful 90 minutes - but reached its crescendo in mind-blowing fashion to leave both sets of fans stunned come the final whistle.

Relive all the action and reaction from tonight’s match with our live blog below:

North Macedonia vs Wales LIVE

90+6' GOAL! David Brooks rescues a point with the final kick [MKD 1-1 WAL]
90+1' GOAL! Bojan Miovski wins it after disastrous defensive error [MKD 1-0 WAL]
71' OFF THE LINE! Brennan Johnson denied after defensive blunder [MKD 0-0 WAL]
65' SAVE! Superb Karl Darlow save denies Darko Churlinov volley [MKD 0-0 WAL]
34' CLOSE! Sorba Thomas gets finish all wrong from close range [MKD 0-0 WAL]

Report: David Brooks snatches last-gasp point for Wales in World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia

22:21 , Will Castle

David Brooks salvaged Wales a precious 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw against North Macedonia with all but the last kick of the match in Skopje.

Wales were the better side throughout but they suffered a sucker punch in a dramatic finish that saw North Macedonia score in the first minute of stoppage time.

Substitute Joe Allen’s horrible back pass was intended for Joe Rodon but was cut out by Bojan Miovski and he finished brilliantly, slotting the ball under Karl Darlow.

Wales seemed down and out but in the sixth extra minute Kieffer Moore got his head to a long ball and Brooks squeezed the ball across the line.

Read the full match report below:

Brooks snatches last-gasp point for Wales against North Macedonia

FULL-TIME! North Macedonia 1-1 Wales

21:58 , Will Castle

A lot can happen in five minutes.

⏰ 90+1' | 🇲🇰 1-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Gôl. Miovski for North Macedonia.

💻 https://t.co/iszTrkYgs5
— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) March 25, 2025

⏰ 90+6' | 🇲🇰 1-1🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

BROOKSYYYYYYY 🤩

💻https://t.co/iszTrkYgs5 pic.twitter.com/6XXZ2rZIHo
— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) March 25, 2025

FULL-TIME! North Macedonia 1-1 Wales

21:45 , Will Castle

What. Drama.

Two stoppage time goals sees it finish honours even between Wales and North Macedonia.

The hosts thought they’d won it as Bojan Miovski capitalised on a defensive error to slot home.

But with the final kick of the game, David Brooks poked into the opposition net to equalise and spare Craig Bellamy a first defeat as Wales manager.

GOAL! North Macedonia 1-1 Wales

21:43 , Will Castle

90+6 mins: GOAL! BROOKS EQUALISES AND SPARES BELLAMY A FIRST DEFEAT!

It’s a scrappy goal, but Wales will not care. Brooks diverts it into the goal and Craig Bellamy’s Wales are still unbeaten.

North Macedonia 1-0 Wales

21:42 , Will Castle

90+4 mins: CHANCE! What a chance for Jordan James, who gets the ball on the edge of the box but can’t get his shot past the Macedonia defender.

Massive block, that could be it.

GOAL! North Macedonia 1-0 Wales

21:38 , Will Castle

90+1 mins: GOAL! WALES HAVE LOST IT AT THE DEATH!

Joe Allen tries a back-pass back to Rodon but he gets it all wrong, instead slotting through Miovski who finishes with aplomb.

Disaster for Wales!

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:37 , Will Castle

90 mins: The ball loops over the bar from a header and the referee initially gives a goal-kick for Wales - only to change his mind after 30 seconds and award a corner!

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:36 , Will Castle

88 mins: Change for North Macedonia in the midst of all that - Iliesvski off for Dimoski.

Wales have conceded another foul wide but in a dangerous position. Another Alioski delivery awaits.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:35 , Will Castle

87 mins: Joe Allen goes in heavy and commits a foul immediately after coming on. Lucky not to get booked.

Alioski whips in a dangerous delivery, Wales concede a corner from it.

The former Leeds man is over the ball again... good header away from Moore.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:32 , Will Castle

84 mins: An awkward ball comes over the top and Karl Darlow races out of his goal to clear, with Davies stepping away to let him hoof it away.

That could have been troublesome but well dealt with in the end.

Joe Allen and Rabbi Matondo are now on for Johnson and Sheehan. Matondo got his first goal to seal the win against Kazakhstan, can he get a vital second here?

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:29 , Will Castle

81 mins: CLOSE! Wales are looking for a winner, but they so nearly fell behind!

Bardhi dribbles into the box and brilliantly dinks one through to Alioski, who fires one across goal two Macedonians are waiting.

Both flail legs at the ball but can’t connect, leaving heads in hands. So close to a potential winner.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:27 , Will Castle

80 mins: Clumsy from Joe Rodon as he goes in studs-up into his man, and is booked for his troubles.

Wales have 10 minutes to find a winner.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:23 , Will Castle

76 mins: Brooks is on for Broadhead and is immediately involved, taking on his man and winning the corner.

Dimitrievski comes to the corner and punches it well before staying down, in some discomfort.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:20 , Will Castle

71 mins: OFF THE LINE! Nearly a disaster at the back from North Macedonia, but what chance squandered by Brennan Johnson.

Thomas’s cross loops up in the air and isn’t cleared at all by the hosts, with it falling to Johnson on the penalty spot. He fires towards goal but it’s brilliant cleared off the line by Musliu.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:13 , Will Castle

65 mins: SAVE!Churlinov comes flying in on the volley but Karl Darlow is equal two it, producing a reflex save to divert the powerful effort away.

Best chance of the second half, that. This feels like one could win it.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:11 , Will Castle

64 mins: Bellamy has opted to bring off Dan James as Kiefer Moore enters the fray.

This comes minutes after Churlinov and Atanasov came on for the hosts.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:09 , Will Castle

59 mins: The referee stops the game on the 59th minute as Skopje pays tribute to those who tragically lost their lives in a nightclub fire on Saturday.

Unity on and off the pitch as all in the stadium pay their respects.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:07 , Will Castle

58 mins: This is turning into an end-to-end contest.

North Macedonia press the Wales box - but after being dispossessed, the visitors break quickly through Johnson. He pulls it back to Broadhead on the edge of the box but he can’t control his effort as it flies over.

Then down the other Elmas tries bending it towards the far corner, well blocked as Darlow went dove across.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:05 , Will Castle

56 mins: CLOSE! Daniel James has been at the heart of Wales’s attacking efforts so far, and he just came inches from finding an inadvertent opener.

He dances into the box and tries to fire it towards the back post for a tap in - but as the defender misses the clearance, it very nearly creeps in.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

21:00 , Will Castle

52 mins: Just like the first half, Wales have started this second period well.

They’re moving it about nicely and frustrating the home crowd, with their side unable to get any of the ball.

Joe James just had a pop from range, simple save as it trickled towards goal.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:55 , Will Castle

47 mins: Clever move as Jordan James ticks it about with Brennan Johnson before directing a ball across the top of the box looking for a Wales shirt.

No takers, unfortunately for Craig Bellamy’s side. But a positive start.

BACK UNDERWAY! North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:54 , Will Castle

46 mins: We’re off again in Skopje.

HALF-TIME! North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:36 , Will Castle

The first half with the North Macedonia manager blowing up in the referee’s face and earning a yellow card for his troubles. We go into the break goalless.

The only real chance came Wales’s way as Sorba Thomas failed to finish from close range after latching onto Jordan James’s low cross.

Not the most exhilarating game so far, we’ll give you that.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:35 , Will Castle

45+2 mins: First yellow card of the night as Serafimov is cautioned for dragging Johnson down on the counter.

Wales move it nicely from the free-kick and will have a corner to see out the half.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:33 , Will Castle

45 mins: Wales have dominated possession - but only really threatened on the one occasion. Nevertheless, Bellamy will be content his side’s performance.

We’re going to have FOUR minutes added on.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:27 , Will Castle

40 mins: That would have been SPECIAL.

Bardhi looks for Alioski on the edge of the box directly from the corner, and it comes perfectly for the former Leeds left-back to volley goalwards.

He catches it nicely but just too much height.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:26 , Will Castle

39 mins: Fancy footwork from Elmas sees the Torino man dance into the box and win a corner.

That got the crowd going.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:22 , Will Castle

34 mins: CLOSE! Nearest we’ve come to an opener, and Thomas will wonder how he hasn’t scored!

Jordan James whips in a darting ball across goal and Thomas is there at the back post to surely tap it in, but he gets the finish all wrong - with it ricocheting away from goal rather than into the net.

They then have a penalty appealed moments after the Thomas chance, but it’s waved away by the ref.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:21 , Will Castle

30 mins: Dimitrievski is back on but doesn’t look in the most comfort.

Following the lengthy pause, it’s the hosts that try to catch their opponents cold as Jordan James loses the ball in a dangerous area - brilliant reaction from Mepham to step out and slide in.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:15 , Will Castle

27 mins: North Macedonia threaten to do damage but Wales stand strong.

Home keeper Dimitrievski is now on the ground receiving treatment, giving Bellamy a chance to touch base with his team.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:10 , Will Castle

21 mins: Another corner gets whipped in and this time it’s Joe Rodon who wins the header, but he’s too far out and the keep saves easily.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:04 , Will Castle

16 mins: Dan James breaks down the wing and tries to find a red shirt on the penalty spot, but his cross doesn’t get past the first man.

Wales then get a free-kick in a dangerous area, but the whipped-in delivery is headed up into the air and eventually cleared.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

20:01 , Will Castle

13 mins: After a frantic start, this contest has quietened a bit over the last few minutes.

Nathan Broadhead thought for a second he was in on goal after pinching the ball off Alioski, but he was instead penalised for a foul.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

19:56 , Will Castle

9 mins: Free kick is whipped in by Neco Williams towards Johnson, who can’t get the right touch on it.

Out for a goal kick.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

19:54 , Will Castle

7 mins: Heart-in-mouth moment for Darlow as Bardhi closes him down.

He hoofs it out left at the final moment and luckily it goes to a red shirt.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

19:50 , Will Castle

3 mins: Up the other end and it’s another shot from range that comes close - Kostadinov firing towards the bottom-left corner that just goes past the post.

Lively start here.

North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

19:49 , Will Castle

2 mins: Wales immediately start on the front foot as Jordan James receives the ball on the edge of the box.

He bends one towards the far corner, well saved by Dimitrievski. Nothing from the corner.

KICK-OFF! North Macedonia 0-0 Wales

19:46 , Will Castle

1 min: KICK-OFF! We’re underway in Skopje.

A rousing rendition of the North Macedonia national anthem, a country who have come together amidst tragic circumstances this week.

Kick-off fast approaching in Skopje

19:40 , Will Castle

We’re just five minutes away from kick-off in Skopje as both Wales and North Macedonia look to continue their winning starts to their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns.

With the Baltic state in mourning after Saturday’s tragic nightclub fire that claimed 59 lives, the hosts will be desperate for a boost in national morale tonight.

We’ve got all the action, right here. Don’t go anywhere!

Craig Bellamy: Tournament experience ‘so valuable’ in 2026 World Cup bid

19:30 , Will Castle

Craig Bellamy believes Wales’ experience of playing at major tournaments will have a positive bearing on their attempt to reach the 2026 World Cup.

“It is so valuable,” said Bellamy, unbeaten as Wales manager after a six-game Nations League B campaign in the autumn which saw the Dragons promoted to join Europe’s elite.

“The players’ calmness, they’ve been there, but also the crowd. That experience of everyone being on the ride is so important.

“Some get to play more of a part than others, but if we’re successful we all get to go and enjoy this.

“This time it is my responsibility to get to where other managers have been able to get to, and then maybe leave it in a place where it continuously keeps happening.”

Craig Bellamy congratulates Harry Wilson and captain Ben Davies after Wales topped their Nations League group (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

North Macedonia proving a tough nut to crack

19:20 , Will Castle

Tonight’s clash in Skopje is by no means a simple task for Wales

The home side have a strong goal threat, with Torino star Eljif Elmas pulling the strings while Girona frontman Bojan Miovski is a danger up top.

Scottish football fans will be more than familiar with Miovski, who scored 44 goals in 91 games for Aberdeen before accruing a club-record transfer fee from the Spanish side.

Their defence is also tough to break down, with goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski having kept six consecutive clean sheets, which is a new national record.

Bojan Miovski made his name as a prolific goalscorer at Aberdeen (Getty Images)

Daniel James in the form of his life

19:10 , Will Castle

Daniel James has been in impressive form this season for his club Leeds and country, with 11 goals in 36 appearances - which has helped United to the top of the Championship table.

In 32 league appearances, he has been involved in 19 goals so far and has averaged 2.33 goals per game, proving a pivotal factor in his side’s push for Premier League.

Having already notched one goal this international break, he will no doubt be one to watch in Skopje.

Daniel James has been involved in 19 goals for Leeds this season (Nick Potts/PA Wire)

North Macedonia vs Wales: Head-to-head

19:00 , Will Castle

This is the third time the two sides have met and so far the head-to-head stands at one apiece. They met in 2013 in the qualifying stages for the 2014 World Cup, which neither team qualified for.

The first meeting ended in a 2-1 win for the hosts, despite Aaron Ramsey scoring from the penalty spot for Chris Coleman’s side.

They did get revenge a month later when Simon Church scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win in Cardiff, and current Wales boss Bellamy played the full 90 minutes in both games.

Current Wales boss Craig Bellamy played in both previous clashes against North Macedonia (Getty Images)

Last time out for Wales

18:45 , Will Castle

Wales endured a nervy night against Kazakhstan as World Cup qualifying began on Saturday.

An early Dan James goal looked to have set the hosts on course for victory in Cardiff before they were pegged back as Kazakh captain Askhat Tagybergen converted from the spot.

Though Ben Davies put them back in front just after half time, it took until the 90th minute for Rabbi Matondo to make the points safe.

Rabbi Matondo scored his first Wales goal against Kazakhstan (PA Wire)

Confirmed North Macedonia lineup

18:36 , Will Castle

North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski; Zajkov, Musliu, Serafimov, Alioski; Ilievski, Alimi, Bardhi; Kostadinov, Miovski, Elmas.

Subs: Aleksovski, Atanasov, Churlinov, Dimoski, Elezi, Iliev, Manev, Stankovski, Stojechevski, Toshevski, Tajkovski, Trapanovski.

Confirmed Wales lineup

18:31 , Will Castle

Wales XI: Darlow; Mepham, Rodon, B. Davies, Williams; Sheehan, J. James; Thomas, Broadhead, D. James; Johnson.

Subs: Ward, A. Davies, Cabango, Allen, Lawrence, Matondo, Brooks, Moore, Roberts, Cullen, Koumas, Harris.

Odds for tonight's clash

18:30 , Will Castle

North Macedonia win 2/1

Draw 9/4

Wales win 11/8

The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.

Predicted lineups

18:15 , Will Castle

We’re just a few minutes out from team news, so here are our predicted lineups...

North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski; Dimoski, Zajkov, Musliu, Alioski; Elmas, Bardhi, Alimi, Churlinov; Trajkovski, Miovski.

Wales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, Cullen; Thomas, Brooks, James; Johnson.

North Macedonia team news

18:00 , Will Castle

Luka Stankovski was handed his first international call-up for North Macedonia ahead of these two qualifying fixtures, and will hope to press for a debut having been an unused substitute against Liechtenstein.

Strike partners Bojan Miovski and Aleksandar Trajkovski both scored on Saturday and are set to continue up front.

Wales team news

17:45 , Will Castle

Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu were among the Welsh absentees from the squad named for this international period.

Beyond injuries, Craig Bellamy is likely to stick with a relatively settled side against North Macedonia.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is unavailable after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury (PA Archive)

Is North Macedonia v Wales on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

17:30 , Will Castle

When is North Macedonia vs Wales?

North Macedonia vs Wales is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Tuesday 25 March at the Tose Proeski Arena in Skopje, North Macedonia.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC Three and BBC One Wales, with coverage from 7.30pm GMT. A live stream will be available via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

North Macedonia in mourning after tragic nightclub fire

17:15 , Will Castle

Tonight’s World Cup qualifier takes place as the North Macedonian people continue to mourn after a devastating nightclub fire claimed 59 lives in the Balkan state on Saturday.

North Macedonia will be playing their first home fixture on Tuesday since the tragedy in Kocani – 101 kilometres south-east of the capital Skopje – left another 155 injured from burns, smoke inhalation and being trampled amid a bid to escape towards the building’s single exit.

The Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) has lined up various way to pay respect to those that lost their lives on March 16, including both teams wearing black armbands.

Craig Bellamy hopes tonight’s meeting between North Macedonia and Wales provides some comfort for the bereaved.

Bellamy hopes Wales’ tie with North Macedonia brings some comfort after tragedy

North Macedonia vs Wales LIVE

17:00 , Will Castle

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Wales travel to Skopje for their World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia.

Wales will look to continue their unbeaten run under Craig Bellamy, with the former Liverpool and Manchester City winger yet to taste defeat since being appointed manager last July.

They take on North Macedonia, who opened their qualifying campaign with a solid win against Liechtenstein and top Group J, though presumed favourites Belgium are yet to play.

All the build-up and match action, right here.

Wales got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start against Kazakhstan (Action Images via Reuters)

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