Estonia awaits EURO première

The president of Estonia will be in attendance tonight when UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying begins in Tallinn with the Baltic nation taking on F.Y.R. Macedonia in a "tough" Group E.

Flying start
Arnold Rüütel will become the first Estonian premier to attend an international match since the second world war, his presence lending a suitable air of gravitas to proceedings in the capital. Estonia also kicked the first ball in anger in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2000™, defeating the Faroe Islands 5-0 in their opening Group 9 game on 4 June 1998, but coach Jelle Goes is not expecting such a flying start this evening. "This time it will not be as easy as Macedonia are a strong side," he said.

High standards
The Dutchman has a reputation for setting high standards but is always modest when discussing Estonia's prospects. "We would like to collect as many points as we did in the recent FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign," he said, referring to the 17 points which earned fourth spot in Group 3. "Group E is a tough group. We have World Cup finalists England and Croatia, then Russia, who will surely make a step forward under Guus Hiddink. Israel went through the World Cup qualifying campaign undefeated, Macedonia can spring surprises and you cannot underestimate Andorra."

Tough statistics
Statistics will make hard reading for Estonia. Andorra are the only team in the section against whom they have a positive record, although they are yet to face England. "It's obvious it will be difficult, but our goals must be high," said Arsenal FC goalkeeper Mart Poom. Estonia have played F.Y.R. Macedonia twice, losing 2-0 in Skopje 1994 and 4-2 in Tallinn ten years later. Goes is hoping the negative run of results will end at the A Le Coq Arena. "They have come a long way in recent years, but so have we," said Goes.

Oper absent
The absence of star striker, Roda JC's Andres Oper, with a pulled thigh muscle may undermine Estonia's confidence. "I would love to play, but I must get fit first," said the 2005 Estonian Player of the Year. "Hopefully I will be ready in September." Estonia can draw strength, however, from Poom's return, the custodian not having played a home match in Tallinn since the 4-0 win against Luxembourg in September 2004. "I am preparing for a special night," he said. "It has been so long since I've played at home and it's the EURO 2008 kick-off."