"Starting with the hosts, last seen over the weekend putting in another famous display as they snatched a 0-0 stalemate away at European giants Belgium, North Macedonia are in the midst of what has become a record-breaking qualifying romp. In fact, putting 12 points on the board from their six appearances this year, Blagoja Milevski's camp open Monday's showdown leading the chase at the top of the Group J standings."
"As for the visitors, while Kazakhstan might have claimed a much-welcomed boost over the weekend as they clinched an expected 4-0 win at home against Liechtenstein, that result doesn't cover what has been another nightmare qualifying adventure this year. Signing off September's international break with a 6-0 drumming at the hands of Belgium, the Hawks have lost each of their other three Group J appearances and they have already watched their qualifying dreams go up in smoke."
North Macedonia sit top of Group J with 12 points from six matches, unbeaten in all qualifying fixtures and praised for defensive solidity. The side kept a 0-0 draw away at Belgium and recorded a 5-0 home win over Liechtenstein, totaling almost 350 minutes without conceding. Kazakhstan achieved a 4-0 win over Liechtenstein but endure a poor qualifying campaign, including a 6-0 loss to Belgium and defeats to Wales and others. Kazakhstan have struggled away from home and already face slim chances of qualifying, making Monday's Skopje match crucial for North Macedonia's top-two pursuit.
Read at Soccer News
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