Finland foiled by Ilioski

By Igor Panevski

Blagoja Ilioski scored eight minutes from time to earn F.Y.R. Macedonia a 1-1 draw with Finland in this UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 1 qualifier in Strumica on Tuesday.

Makela opener
Ilioski connected with a Minas Osmani cross from ten metres at the Mladost stadium to pull the home side level after Juho Mäkelä had given Finland a first-half lead. The result leaves Finland bottom of Group 1 on four points from seven games, five behind F.Y.R. Macedonia who have played a game more.

Scheweleff chance
The home side enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half but failed to make the most of their opportunities, both Ilioski and Darko Taševski missing when well placed. Finland defended deeply for most of the half but were dangerous on the counterattack. On 29 minutes Marko Kolsi set up Henri Scheweleff but the Finland captain let the chance go begging.

Finland score
It was on the break that Finland took the lead moments before half-time. Kolsi was again the provider, this time splitting the defence with a long ball forward to Mäkelä, who kept his composure to shoot past Darko Tofiloski when in alone on the F.Y.R. Macedonian goalkeeper.

Ilioski equaliser
The home side pushed forward again in the second half and Ilioski had another chance to score after being sent clear by Bojan Markovski. This time the striker rounded Finland goalkeeper Ville Liskola but from a tight angle was unable to hit the unguarded goal. Ilioski, however, would make amends soon after, latching on to Osmani's cross to earn his side a point. The two teams meet again in Turku in their next Group 1 fixture on 6 September.