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Petrova lifted by public fervour

Cvetanka Petrova sees Thursday's opponents the Netherlands as "the best team in our group", but the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia No1 will draw strength from the hosts' lively fans.

FYROM goalkeeper Cvetanka Petrova
FYROM goalkeeper Cvetanka Petrova ©Sportsfile

Cvetanka Petrova had to pick the ball out of her net six times on her UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals debut against Spain, but the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia goalkeeper will face the Netherlands on Thursday knowing an entire nation stands behind her and her team-mates.

The hosts made a promising start to life at this level as they kept Spain at bay for 38 minutes at the National Arena Filip II of Macedonia, and even with ten minutes remaining they were just two goals down. A flurry of late strikes changed the complexion of the match, but FYROM will continue their Group B campaign focusing on the positives – not least the lively support they received from a competition record crowd of 8,000 spectators.

"The people in Macedonia still support us and they're very enthusiastic," said Petrova. "It was so good to play in front of so many people. It's the first time the European Championship has been held here in Macedonia and we didn't expect so many people to come. But they surprised us and it was really awesome."

Coach Dobrislav Dimovski has been helping keep spirits high too. "He always supports us, no matter the result," explained the FK Borec custodian. "He's told us that we were good against Spain and that the Macedonian people are always with us. He's told us not to lose hope and to keep our heads held high."

That positive attitude is likely to prove useful against the Jong Oranje, who began their own bid with a 2-0 victory over France. "We know they're a team with tradition and that they're very strong, good and fast," said Petrova. "We think they're the best team in our group but we're not afraid. We'll give everything to play well and, if we can, win the game."

Whatever happens, the 18-year-old is convinced the women's game in FYROM can only grow stronger as a result of her team's efforts. "This competition is very important," she said. "The people who came to the first match saw that football is also played by girls here in Macedonia. That will motivate other girls to go out and play."

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