Craig Bellamy hopes Wales’ World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia can provide a small source of comfort following the devastating nightclub fire that claimed 59 lives in the Balkan nation.
Tuesday’s match in Skopje will be North Macedonia’s first home fixture since the tragic incident in Kocani—located 101 kilometers southeast of the capital—which also left 155 people injured due to burns, smoke inhalation, and the chaos of people rushing to escape through the venue’s only exit.
To honor those who lost their lives on March 16, the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) has arranged various tributes, including both teams wearing black armbands.
With a seven-day period of national mourning concluding on Sunday, Wales could find themselves facing a highly emotional atmosphere at the Tose Proeski Arena.
"We haven’t spoke about it but the players are aware of it," Bellamy said during his press conference in Skopje.
"I’d like to send my condolences to the families and also the people of North Macedonia."
"It’s difficult to talk about football when moments like this happen, but we’re here for it and I completely respect the situation."
"We’ve had our own tragedies and we know as a country what they’re going through. I’d like them to know that everyone in Wales is fully behind them."
"I hope for just 90 minutes that we and North Macedonia are able, maybe just a tiny bit, to take one or two minds off what’s happened."
"Only for a tiny bit. I want that because life is the most important. We just get to play football."
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Both sides made positive starts to their Group J qualification campaigns over the weekend.
North Macedonia extended their winning streak to six matches with a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein, while Wales had to work harder to secure a 3-1 win against Kazakhstan in Cardiff.
Bellamy acknowledged that Tuesday’s contest will present a different challenge.
"North Macedonia is a different game to Kazakhstan," he said. "We knew that beforehand so it hasn’t changed anything to what we’re looking to do."
"We’ve had to review the game quickly and there were some really positive bits."
"There were some things we need to improve on, but overall I’m very happy and it’s another game that allows us to progress."
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When asked by a Macedonian journalist whether Wales could be seen as underdogs—despite their FIFA ranking of 29 compared to North Macedonia’s 67—Bellamy was quick to dismiss the notion.
"I never see us as an underdog. I’m not an underdog, I never have been. I will not accept that."
"Favourites? I hope so. It doesn’t mean you take it for granted."
"I always look at it as a game of football. Can we have fun? Can we enjoy it?"
Bellamy and captain Ben Davies are no strangers to playing in Skopje. Both featured in a World Cup qualifier there in 2013 when Wales suffered a 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia.
"I remember that game well, it was a tough night for us," Davies recalled.
"Sometimes that happens but I feel we’re in a different spot as a group right now."
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The Tottenham defender has since returned to play in the Macedonian capital and spoke positively about the experience.
"I’ve also been back here with Spurs. I’ve played here a couple of times before and it’s a good place to play football."
As Wales prepare for what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter, Bellamy will be hoping his side can extend their unbeaten run and take another step toward World Cup qualification.
