It's been 12 years since Wales last played for Skopje, then manager Chris Coleman arrived uncomfortably late after losing his passport. More than a decade later, Craig Bellamy's side left a much more professional impression, even if he took the final gasp equalizer from the alternative David Brooks to rescue both his manager's unbeaten record and Wales' hopes, both to maintain another World Cup qualifying hope.
Given that North Macedonia won six previous matches without acknowledging goals, Wales was undefeated in seven games and Bellamy was undefeated since he was at the helm of the management, something had to be given at Skopje.
It was the first time Bellamy was wearing a suit since he was in charge of his country. This was a sign of respect for the 59 people who died in a nightclub fire in the northern Macedonian town of Kokani.
Blagoja Milevski's decision to switch the North Macedonian team from the conventional back four to the back five could be interpreted as a compliment on Bellamy's part. To urge the attention of such a house, Wales enjoyed a long-term, fast-paced ownership on smooth surfaces, as they dominated half the opening with a chance of clear cuts.
As the action began, there was a moment when the visitors were able to return and take part in the attack. But as Macedonia's defense proved, the backwards almost cracked when, esoterically, the fine cross from the increasingly influential Leeds winger found Solva Thomas, who failed to make the most of it.
In an interesting subplot featuring regulars at Elland Road, James was frequently tormented by former Leeds left-wing back Ezjan Arioski in Macedonia. Arioski has recently played for Saudi Arabia for Al Ali, and may have beaten Elland Road's second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but if his much ambitious first half volley had a bit of a good weight.
With North Macedonia doubled James, Bellamy's creative players continued to struggle to turn territorial control into a material advantage as home goalkeeper stole Dimitrievsky.
The moment Brennan Johnson's fast legs and faster brain reminded me of a great opportunity, Nathan Broadhead simply spins over the crossbar, and seemed like a symbol of frustration in Bellamy's technical realm.
However, if the team feared that they could turn back against skilled enemies in counterattacks if they were more pessimistic, if they were more pessimistic among the 2,000 Welsh fans who traveled to one of Europe's most interesting and most common capitals, then such concerns were tempered by the central defensive performances of Joe Rodon and his sidekick Chris Chris Mephham.
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It was midway through the second half that Darrow was called into a weapon and showed off his sharp reflexes and strong hands. Kiefer Moore has now replaced Dan James.
Johnson was the closest to breaking the impasse just to see his goalbound shot cleared from the line by Visar Musliu. Deciding that the attack might possibly be the best form of defence after all, North Macedonia returned to the back four, almost rewarding when Arioski shot narrowly after Ennis Bardi managed to confuse Rodon and the co.
When Joe Allen lost focus and allowed Bojang Mioffski to intercept the tired passes for Rodon, Mioffski's great finish seemed to seal it off. Little did he know that Moore's head flick and Brooks's great finish would soon combine to remind Bellamy's Wales that he doesn't know what surrender means.
