Macedonians call on Braga

Aguinaldo de Jesus Braga is set to become the first foreign player to represent F.Y.R. Macedonia when he takes the field against Finland tomorrow.

New passport 
The Brazil-born midfield player, currently at FK Vardar, has been playing in the country for three successive years and has thus fulfilled the conditions for obtaining a Macedonian passport. The 27-year-old has been given FIFA clearance to play because he has not represented Brazil at any level.

'Great honour'
"I am very happy to play for Macedonia," Braga said. "It is a great honour. I promise I will do my best to fulfil the expectations placed upon me. Playing for the national team means even more training and preparations for me, but I am ready to take the challenge."

Ilievski overjoyed
F.Y.R Macedonia's new coach Nikola Ilievski was more than pleased to be able to call on the talents of Braga. “He is a fast, explosive player and he is very good in the air," said Ilievski. "We really do not have another player like him and he could be very important for the national team." 

Nikolov blow 
While Ilievski has gained a new player he has lost another. Goalkeeper Orhej Nikolov has decided not to play for the national team in order to keep his German citizenship. The Eintracht Frankfurt player was born in Germany of Macedonian parents and has already played on three occasions for the national team in friendlies against Egypt, Yugoslavia and Hungary. 

Jovcev dives in
Ilievski said: "I  completely understand his decision. He has a German passport and did not want to lose it." The coach has replaced Nikolov with FK Sloga Jugomagnat’s Gogo Jovcev and has also called up FK Sileks midfielder Stojan Ignatov.

Second warm-up 
The game against Finland in Prilep is F.Y.R Macedonia's second warm-up for the 2004 European Championship qualifiers which start in September. They drew 4-4 in the first against Bosnia on 27 March.