Thursday, August 17, 2006

Estonia 0 FYR Macedonia 1

FYR Macedonia got their Euro 2008 qualification campaign off to a great start by clinching a 1-0 win over Estonia in Tallinn.

The visitors were the most threatening time throughout and deservedly took the three points thanks to a second-half strike from Goce Sedloski.

Macedonia looked the better side from the outside with Igor Jancevski having the first shot of the game after three minutes, which he put over the crossbar from 12 yards.

Further efforts from Goran Pandev and a miss-hit volley from Jancevski settled the away side as they took control against an Estonia side clearly missing star striker Andres Oper.

Goran Maznov then saw his 25-yard drive parried by Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom after 15 minutes, before Estonia managed a response with Kristen Viikmae's effort caught by Macedonia keeper Jane Nikoloski.

Jancevski continued to look lively, although Poom had the measure of his long-range efforts.

Estonia managed a flurry of their own just before the interval but Ragnar Klavan's eventual effort was blocked in the area.

Macedonia came out for the second half with the same attacking mentality, Ilco Naumoski forcing a corner from which Jancevski fired wide.

Maznov sent another attempt past the post two minutes later as the away team's dominance began to show.

Poom coped well under the Macedonian pressure but he could do little about Sedloski's drive on 70 minutes, the defender's low right-footed drive beating him from 12 yards.

Jancevski again troubled Poom from distance in the closing stages but in the end his team's single goal proved to be enough to get their Group E campaign off to a flyer.

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