Macedonia vs. Spain: Date, Time, Live Stream for Euro 2016 Qualifier
Spain travel to Macedonia on Tuesday safe in the knowledge they hold their Euro 2016 qualification chances in their own hands.
La Roja convincingly beat previous group pacesetters Slovakia 2-0 on Saturday to send themselves into top spot on goal difference.
Macedonia are sure to claim the wooden spoon in Group C, with the Red Lynxes earning a mere three points from their seven games, rooting them to the bottom of the Group C table, per UEFA.com.
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Read on to find out how you can watch the match, including kick-off time and viewing information.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 8
Time: 7:45 p.m. (BST) / 2:45 p.m. (ET)
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 and HD (UK only); Fox Sports (U.S. Only)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK only); Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S. Only)
Match Preview
It has been a tough 12 months for Spain, a team so used to winning it had forgotten how defeat felt. The golden generation of Spanish football have spoiled their supporters with not only beautiful play but a glut of trophies.
However, this qualification campaign has tested Spain to the limit, and they went into their game with Slovakia needing a win.
That's exactly what they got, but more satisfying was the urgency of their performance and control of the opposition. The Slovaks have been the best side in the group—earning a perfect 18 points from their first six games—but Spain wound them early, and they had the result in the bag long before the final whistle.
The match also highlighted the growing influence of David Silva, who has seamlessly edged his way into the world-class bracket with very little fuss. The midfielder was full of potential when he moved to Manchester City, but the 29-year-old's five seasons in England have turned him into a much more effective operator.
Slovakia didn't know how to deal with him in their encounter, and Silva ran the show for the first hour of the match with a performance of brilliant variation.
He assisted Jordi Alba's opener after five minutes, triggering a Spain performance not seen in many months. Sports journalist Jonas Giaever made a simple but accurate statement during the match:
Macedonia are way out of their depth in this group, and their participation certainly favours that European Championship qualification becomes a two-tier system. Many of the smaller teams—including Macedonia and San Marino—offer very little in way of competition and become whipping boys on every matchday.
Spain opted to play Diego Costa in the striker's role for the win against Slovakia, but the Chelsea man looked out of sorts, only contributing by earning a very dubious penalty after a dramatic fall.
There is certainly a case to play Pedro through the middle on occasion, but the power of Costa will more than likely be preferred in an away match.
Macedonia have conceded 15 goals during this campaign, and if the Spain that reemerged in their last match turn up, it could lead to a hefty defeat. Spain will want to win this group outright, and a positive effect on their goal difference will be gratefully received.
In Silva, La Roja have a player who can dismantle the best sides in the world. Thankfully for Spain, he only has to produce against one of Europe's lesser teams. The Euro 2016 finals will be well within reach after an expected win.
