Minnows to meet for first time

Liechtenstein have arranged three friendly matches including two fixtures with San Marino to aid preparation for their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers .

Coach pleased
Ralf Loose's side will welcome Saudi Arabia on 30 April. They will then take on San Marino on 20 August in the first-ever meeting of the two sides before a return fixture on 28 April 2004. "I am happy about every international game that we play," said Loose. "In the matches against San Marino we will be able to really see where we stand, since they are a small country like us."

Four wins
Liechtenstein have the better record of the two minnows, having won four games in the past. San Marino have achieved two draws but have been defeated in every other international match they have played. In the FIFA world rankings, Liechtenstein are placed 152 and San Marino, the lowest ranked of the European nations, are 162.

Unpredictable opponents
Loose added that he did not know much about the 2002 FIFA World Cup finalists Saudi Arabia. "It is very hard to predict a possible outcome," he said. "They have a strong team and we have very young players. In any case the experience will be precious," he said.

Tough group
Liechtenstein are in EURO 2004™ Group 7, a tough section that includes England and Turkey. They are bottom of the table with one point from four matches, with their next qualifier to come in F.Y.R. Macedonia on 7 June.