When Alexander Traykovsky's ball met Gigi Donaroma's net and gave Northern Macedonia a 0-1 victory over Italy, Israeli football fans could not help but think of the marvelous story of the winning coach, Belgoya "Bobby" Milevsky.
Three and a half years ago, he is Fu mpui nesubhv ter from MS Ashdod after a 4-3 loss to Bnei Sakhnin, and tonight - after preventing the Italians from a World Cup for the second time in a row - he will try to lead his homeland to the first World Cup in its history at the expense of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Apparently, the gap between these two events is as big as the distance between the Eleventh Stadium and Dragao, where tonight's game will take place.
Few people in Israel know Milewski better than Moshe Ohayon.
The two played together in Ashdod between 2001 and 2004, and also shared a room in the team's trips abroad. When Ohayon retired from the game in 2018, he was appointed assistant to the northern Macedonian.
Milevsky.
"Gives confidence to players", Photo: IPI
"He taught me about professionalism and conduct, and how to respect the sport," says Ohayon.
In retrospect, Ohayon estimates that it was this professionalism that led to the early parting from Ashdod in the 2018/2019 season.
"The problem is that everything here is measured by results, and the coach is the one who pays the price. Bobby will always remain a friend, and for me he is one of the best coaches there is."
"You will always dream"
The short period in Ashdod does not indicate the abilities of coach Milevsky.
In fact, it was the only time he coached outside the homeland, and the only time he failed.
After retiring from the game in 2010, he started working for Macedonian Vardar, and within three years led it to the championship.
He was then appointed coach of the young team, where he was responsible for the record achievement of Macedonian football at that point in time (2017), his first appearance at the European Championships.
This is how he built an image of himself as an expert in promoting young people.
But after this climactic moment the adventure created a man over him, and Milewski sought to try his hand overseas.
Thus he returned to Ashdod as head coach.
"I think he had a hard time finding the balance in the team," says Dor Galili.
"Israeli players do not always connect to demands like his."
North Macedonia!
Goosebumps scenes in the locker room.
An incredible show of defensive football.
Feeling sad for Italy, though.
#ItaliaMacedonia #Italy # WorldCup2022 #Italia #NorthMacedonia #ITAMKD pic.twitter.com/hTBxYJqlZE
- AR Hashmi (@arhhashmi) March 24, 2022
Galili, today at Hapoel Afula, was one of those who got to play under Milewski in Ashdod.
Like Ohayon, he does not spare praise: "He is a professional, gives confidence to the players, he has a word. For him, the truth is most important."
Galili and Ohayon describe a special coach, pedantic and professional, whose character traits were great on Israeli football.
"I will not forget that he always emphasized two words: character and values," says Galili.
"He's giving you a good feeling, and you always want to give it back to him. I believe that's what's happening now with Northern Macedonia."
According to the results, this is definitely what is happening.
Since being appointed as the senior coach, at the end of Euro 2020, Northern Macedonia has lost only one game - to Germany.
Although it parted ways with its biggest star - retired Goran Pandev - under Milewski the team has won four of its last five games.
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Northern Macedonians are not afraid of it, Photo: AFP
She knows how to be offensive when needed, and for evidence - a five against Armenia away, and she knows how to defend as she did against Italy.
"We beat the European champions away!"
Just before this move, Ohayon and Galili are optimistic, as they learned from Milewski.
"He would always tell me 'a lot of health and a little luck,'" Ohayon says, "so I wish him a lot of health and a lot of luck."
Galili adds: "He always said: 'Always aspire, you will always dream, there is no reason for that not to happen.'
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