Macedonians hold new-look Croatia

An under-strength Croatia side were held to a 2-2 draw by F.Y.R. Macedonia in a friendly international in Šibenik.

Andric earns draw
F.Y.R. Macedonia, who also held England to a 2-2 away draw in a UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying game last October, led twice but Srdjan Andric earned Croatia a draw when he intercepted the ball before scoring with a close-range shot after 72 minutes.

Penalty opener
Croatia dominated much of the game and created the better chances but fell behind after ten minutes when Goce Sedloski gave the away side the lead from the penalty spot. However, Croatia drew level 25 minutes later through Marijo Maric.

Late pressure
Goce Toleski restored the Macedonian’s lead on the hour mark before Croatia equalised once more through Andric but, despite putting the visitors under severe pressure in the final 20 minutes, they were unable to find a winning goal.

Unfamiliar team
Croatia coach Otto Baric used the game to give opportunities to his home-based players ahead of next month’s EURO 2004 qualifying game against Belgium. Baric, who has seen his side win only once in four games since he took over in July 2002, fielded an unfamiliar side with few players based overseas, although he will have most of his top players available for Wednesday’s friendly with Poland.

Slow start
Croatia have just one point from their opening two qualifying games and currently lie  fourth in Group 8, which also includes bottom club Andorra, leaders Bulgaria and Estonia. They are at home to second-placed Belgium on 29 March, the same day F.Y.R. Macedonia, third in Group 7 with two points from three matches, are at home to Slovakia.