Ilievski names Croatian date
Thursday, January 9, 2003
Article summary
F.Y.R. Macedonia face Croatia in a friendly game on 9 February before taking part in a mini-tournament in Split.
Article body
F.Y.R. Macedonia will take on Croatia in a friendly game on 9 February before continuing their preparations for their next UEFA EURO 2004™ fixture by competing in a four-team mini-tournament in Split.
Friendly fixture
National coach Nikola Ilievski announce the news of the friendly against Croatia, which will take place before his side compete with Croatia, Poland and home side HNK Hajduk Split in the Marjan Trophy on 11 and 12 February.
'A real test'
"We have heard that on the first day of the tournament in Split we will play against Hajduk," said Ilievski. "If we win, we will play in the final against Croatia or Poland but if we lose we will play the losers from the other semi-final. In any case we will participate in a great footballing spectacle. It's a very strong tournament and this is a real test for my players before the next qualifying games for EURO 2004."
Good result
Macedonia have earned two draws from their first three games in group 7, including an impressive draw with favourites England in Southampton. They are at home against Slovakia in their next qualifying game on 29 March.
