Originally Posted by
pineapple stu
That's what it comes down to for me. North Macedonia is one of Europe's poorest and smallest countries, and has one of its weakest leagues (because population size, wealth, and strength of league often correlate) that's never really achieved anything in European competition (which is why it's ranked 50th). We've spoken about the mindset of players going into these games, that maybe they're not expecting to lose like before. That has to go for fans too though - so placid casual expressing caution at the idea that three defeats would get Rovers into the group stage is ridiculous, as is the idea that I'm being begrudging by saying "Well done, but it was expected" when Rovers won. It wasn't straightforward, but that's fine. Shkupi aren't complete amateurs.
Losing 5-2 to Flora last year was as bad a result as the LoI has had in Europe in many years. It's good to see Rovers have put that behind them.