Poom gloom for Estonia

Arno Pijpers has named his squad for Estonia's opening EURO 2004™ qualifier against Croatia in Osijek on 7 September.

Poom gloom
Estonian coach Pijpers has been able to call on his best players with the only possible exception being Mart Poom. The Derby County FC goalkeeper was substituted in the recent friendly against Moldova after picking up a groin injury and has been receiving treatment ever since. If he fails to recover in time for his side's first division match against Stoke City FC on Saturday, Sergei Pareiko of SC Rotor Volgograd will deputise.

Defenders return
However, Pijpers does have his first-choice left-sided defenders, FC København's Urmas Rooba and FC Flora captain Erko Saviauk, back after injuries, with Taavi Rähn dropping into the Under-21 squad.

Lack of goals
Forwards Andres Oper and Indrek Zelinski, who both play for Aalborg BK, are likely to start but have a great deal to prove - Estonia's last international goal from a recognised striker was  Zelinski's winner against San Marino in May. Kristen Viikmäe, of Vålerenga IF, and Sergei Terehhov are waiting in the wings.

Vintage year
Both teams played in the same group eight years ago in qualifying for EURO 96™, when Croatia demolished Estonia 7-1 at home and won 2-0 in Tallinn. But Pijpers' side have enjoyed a good year after finishing 2001 without a single victory.

Estonian squad
Poom, Kaalma, Pareiko, Piiroja, U Rooba, Stepanov, Saviauk, Allas, Hohlov-Simson, Reim, Kristal, Leetma, Lindpere, M Rooba, Zelinski, Oper, Terehhov, Viikmäe, Haavistu.