Macedonians end winless streak

F.Y.R. Macedonia 1-0 Finland
F.Y.R. Macedonia ended a long winless spell with today's 1-0 friendly international victory over Finland in Prilep.

Goalmouth scramble
Defender Goran Stavrevski, who plays in Croatia for NK Zagreb, latched on to Artim Sakiri's corner after a goalmouth scramble and prodded the ball past Finland goalkeeper Antti Niemi in the 36th minute.

Promising start
It was the Macedonian's first victory in 19 internationals, including 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and marked a promising start for new coach Nikola Ilievski.

Stunning victory
The Finns went into the game on the back of a stunning 4-1 defeat of Portugal but they failed to produce the flowing football that earned them a famous victory at the Bessa stadium. Jonatan Johansson and Teemu Tainio wasted their best opportunities.

EURO 2004™ qualifiers
Both nations failed to qualify for Korea/Japan and are looking to find form ahead of the qualifying campaign for the 2004 UEFA European Championship.