McCarthy started with the much-maligned 3-5-2 system, which had been in vogue after Euro '96 but hadn't served Ireland well in previous qualifiers.

Denis Irwin, Steve Staunton and Gary Breen made up the back three with Tony Cascarino and Jon Goodman leading the line.

Ireland went in front after eight minutes, Cascarino nodding the ball down for Alan McLoughlin to subsequently head home. They appeared to be cruising but a handball in the area by Jason McAteer in the 28th minute gave the home side a penalty, which Mitko Stojkovski converted.

With confidence came more chances for Macedonia, and another handball by Terry Phelan saw a second penalty awarded.

Stojkovski made no mistake and Macedonia led at half-time.

Georgi Hristov struck an excellent third on the hour mark to extend the Macedonia lead.

Goodman set up substitute David Kelly for Ireland's second on 78 minutes but it was Macedonia who came closest to scoring again, Ilgo Georgioski hitting a post. McAteer sealed an ignominious day out by lunging at Stojkovski in added time, resulting in a red card.

Staunton said afterwards it was the worst defeat he'd known, worse than the draw in Liechtenstein. McCarthy pledged to examine the video and reassess his team's formation.