EXCLUSIVE: Dimitrievski confident North Macedonia can see off Denmark in Copenhagen

The 32-year-old holds the record for the most appearances as a goalkeeper in the Lynxes' history, with 86 caps, and ranks among the most seasoned members of the team.

Yet the player from Kumanovo projects an image of composure, assurance, modesty, and occasional humour, as he shares in an exclusive chat with Flashscore about his early recollections of viewing World Cup finals on television, offers insights into the forthcoming clash with Denmark, and discloses the Valencia colleague who impressed him deeply, along with various other subjects.

"I recall tuning into the 2002 World Cup on our television set, watching Ronaldo Nazario represent Brazil and David Beckham take the field for England, while my dad got me a sticker collection that, amusingly, I ended up losing in the Vardar river during a trip to Skopje.

Many years later, as Euro 2020 approached, my dad recalled that incident and began gathering the 2020 sticker book since I was featured in it, something he never imagined would happen," Dimitrievski reminisces.

Ranked 66th in the world, the national side has reached the World Cup qualifiers playoffs for the second year running, having topped Group Four in Nations League C.

In 2022, the Lynxes stunned Italy in the semi-final only to fall short against Portugal in the decider, and that loss in Porto continues to both trouble and drive Dimitrievski: "That game versus Portugal marked one of the key moments in our national team's past, as the victor earned a spot at the 2022 World Cup, yet now we face fresh prospects to create our own legacy, seizing this moment fully and moving past the defeat to Portugal," he reflects.

Denmark now blocks North Macedonia's route in this World Cup playoff semi-final, with the Parken Stadium completely booked out, though the keeper trusts in the group's capabilities and maintains that calling a potential victory in Copenhagen "a shock" would be misplaced.

"This could well be among the pivotal games of our professional lives, so we must step up as true professionals, deliver our finest performance, execute the manager's strategy, and secure the win," Dimitrievski assesses.

"Our squad possesses the skill, a clear approach, and full commitment; we aim to outplay them on the pitch and triumph. It seems unjust to describe it as "a surprise," given we form a strong unit capable of victory, rather than merely catching them off guard."

No honeymoon yet

Napoli's Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund told TV2 in a Danish outlet interview that he has not arranged a summer break and views North Macedonia as less formidable than Germany or France; when questioned if this implies a subtle remark, Dimitrievski responds light-heartedly: "I have not planned my honeymoon either, so we are even on that front."

Nevertheless, the sharp-performing keeper could hold a strategic edge in neutralising the Danish striker, thanks to his teammate Elif Elmas who lines up alongside Hojlund at Napoli; Dimitrievski suggests he may seek Elmas's input on the forward's style, while stressing that the priority remains their collective readiness over fixating on one rival.

"Our group will train thoroughly as a unit, and post-session, we will cover specific elements to aid me and the backline. As the keeper, my role involves instilling steadiness in the side, and succeeding there makes the team far more solid overall, more even-keeled, and sharper at the back," Dimitrievski elaborates.

His nearest relatives and companions will cheer from the terraces at Parken Stadium on Thursday, and the 32-year-old remains resolute in pursuing his ambition to guide the Macedonian outfit to their inaugural World Cup qualification, inspired by a fellow Valencia player.

"Earning a berth at the 2026 World Cup would rank as the highlight of my playing days, no question. At Valencia, Guido Rodriguez serves as my model, having competed in and triumphed at the 2022 tournament with Argentina; his journey illustrates just how monumental that feat is in football.

"Moreover, representing the Macedonian national side fills me with immense pride; it defies description. Being naturally driven, I thrive on competing and taking part, and having done so over 80 times brings me tremendous satisfaction," Dimitrievski wraps up.

Becoming Valencia's main man

Dimitrievski proved a reliable presence in goal for Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga prior to his free move to Valencia in summer 2024, but last term he sat behind Giorgi Mamardashvili, and this campaign he trailed Julen Agirrezabala.

That said, the loaned Athletic Club keeper Agirrezabala picked up a knock early in the year, allowing Dimitrievski to take the number one spot at Estadio de Mestalla, where he capitalised on his chances with five shutouts in 13 outings across competitions.

"Events from before are behind me now; my attention is wholly on the games ahead, aiming to end the campaign strongly and contribute maximally for Valencia in every outing," Dimitrievski confides.

His deal ends with the season, though Valencia can trigger an extension, and regarding his future, he notes: "The club and I are concentrating on the matches to come, targeting the best possible LaLiga finish, but talks will follow shortly, and I hope we reach a mutual understanding."

Thanks to their improved form lately, Valencia has distanced itself from the drop zone, occupying 12th in the table. A key figure in this upturn is Guido Rodriguez, whom Dimitrievski rates as the standout talent in the group: "Guido Rodriguez operates at a global elite level, a World Cup winner, and we clashed often when he was at Betis, but seeing him in action for our side reveals his true calibre and the reasons for his success."

The club, with six LaLiga titles to its name, plans to depart the famed Estadio de Mestalla for a new home next year, as construction on Nou Mestalla progresses; Dimitrievski underscores its value for Valencia's prospects: "We drive by the new ground en route to every home fixture, glimpsing it externally since building continues.

"Nou Mestalla will prove vital for the club's trajectory and supporters, offering a major boost in seating that should fuel more triumphs down the line."

In closing, Stole Dimitrievski names his lifelong hero and voices his view on the top goalkeeper currently in world football.

"Gianluigi Buffon remains my greatest inspiration, but in recent years, Thibaut Courtois stands out as one of the elite keepers, the most commanding in his role, though Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jan Oblak also excel remarkably," Dimitrievski concludes.