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Silence would actually have been gold for Ilija Nestorovski
Photo: Boris Grdanoski / AP
North Macedonia voluntarily waived striker Ilija Nestorovski in the qualifying game for the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday (8.45 p.m., TV: RTL, live ticker: SPIEGEL.de) against Germany.
The background is the rabble of the 31-year-old professional from Udinese Calcio in his country's 5-0 win against Liechtenstein last Sunday.
After his penalty goal to the 5-0 final score, Nestorovski had audibly cursed into a TV camera.
"Such behavior by a member of the national team cannot remain without consequences, so that he is released from his obligations with regard to the game against Germany," said national coach Igor Angelovski on Monday and canceled the attacker for the game in Duisburg.
Nestorovski had justified his abuses with alleged threats to his family, but has since apologized.
According to the Serbian media, he allegedly insulted the mothers of those whom he and his family felt addressed.
North Macedonia is currently in third place in the World Cup qualifying group after their 3-2 defeat in Romania and the win against Liechtenstein.
Only the first qualifies directly for the tournament in Qatar, the runners-up have the opportunity to secure their participation via the play-offs.
mfu / dpa
