Ивановски избори четвртфинале, мечот на Марковски е прекинат поради мрак

Macedonia's senior basketball team secured its place in the next stage of the qualification process for EuroBasket 2029 after defeating Ireland 77-56 in Skopje on July 2, 2026. This victory marked their fifth consecutive win in Group A, solidifying their position as group leaders and guaranteeing them a spot in the subsequent round of qualifiers. The match was played at the "Lazar Lecić" hall, where Macedonia demonstrated strong performance, resilience, and tactical discipline throughout the game.

The first quarter saw some uncertainty as Ireland managed to keep the score close, but Macedonia quickly responded with a decisive run of seven unanswered points, establishing a significant lead. From there, the Macedonian team maintained control of the game, gradually increasing their advantage and finishing the match comfortably ahead. Key contributors included Andrej Jakimovski, who recorded 19 points and 13 rebounds, Viktor Efremovski with 12 points, and captain Vojdan Stojanovski, who added 10 points and five rebounds. The team’s overall effort reflected a combination of energy, focus, and skill, reinforcing their readiness for the upcoming challenges.

This result ensures that Macedonia will face Luxembourg in their final group match on July 5, 2026, which will be held away from home. Despite this being a formality, the team aims to secure another victory to maintain momentum heading into the next phase of the qualification campaign. The second part of the qualifying process for EuroBasket 2029 is set to begin in late August, following a draw that will determine four groups of three teams each. This structure will shape the path forward for the national team as they prepare for further competition.

Head coach Josep Maria Berokal expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of adapting to opponents' strategies and maintaining defensive strength while finding solutions in attack. He highlighted the emergence of new players such as Marco Lukanoski, Petar Bosaleski, and Pavel Ivanov, alongside the contributions of experienced players like Nejt Sestina and Stewart Junior. Berokal acknowledged the need to enjoy the current success before turning attention to the upcoming match against Luxembourg, which he described as a preparatory step for future rounds.

The victory over Ireland also underscores the growing depth and competitiveness within the Macedonian national basketball program. With a clear pathway established for the next stage of qualifications, the team now looks toward refining their approach and building on the positive results achieved so far. As the calendar moves forward, the focus will shift to preparing for the next challenge, ensuring continued progress in the pursuit of European championship qualification.

In parallel developments, UEFA has confirmed that it will not implement the controversial "Vinicius Law," which would have allowed referees to issue direct red cards to players who cover their mouths during disputes with opponents. This rule gained attention in February 2026 when a player from Benfica, Gianluca Presti, covered his mouth with his jersey while speaking to Vinicius Jr., leading to an investigation by UEFA. Although Presti was found guilty of homophobic behavior and suspended for six matches, UEFA decided against applying the rule in major competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Instead, officials emphasized that referees should assess situations individually and consider yellow cards if there is an attempt to conceal communication. This decision reflects ongoing discussions about the balance between enforcing rules and allowing discretion in officiating decisions.