02.04.2013, 03:54
FYR Macedonia ready to surprise Spain

The team's fans demand a win, while head coach Obrvan tries to ease the pressure

FYR Macedonia ready to surprise Spain

Ivica Obrvan, the new head coach of FYR Macedonia's men's handball national team, is planning to give some players, who are usually not considered for the first line-up, some extented playing time in the EHF EURO 2014 qualification matches against Spain on 3 and 7 April.

After two rounds in this second qualification phase for the final tournament in Denmark, Spain have the maximum of four points, while FYR Macedonia sit on two points, following a win against Switzerland and a defeat to Portugal.

The new coach has additionally nominated goalkeeper Petre Angelov and right back Milan Levov, both from Metalurg Skopje, even though they were not in the team following the first squad announcement.

Angelov was selected after his good performance in a match versus Vardar PRO in the regional SEHA league.

"We must play disciplined, with fewer technical errors. We need to be on a perfect level (in defence) which can grant us goals from counter attacks," said Obrvan.

"I have to find a solution for the back trio (Naumce) Mojsovski - (Filip) Mirkulovski - (Kiril) Lazarov. Therefore, players that usually are not in first seven, now will have to assume a bigger role."

The Macedonian public expects a victory, at least in the first match, which would make the nation's path to the final tournament much easier and would ease the pressure ahead of the June matches against Switzerland and Portugal.

"The public is the same everywhere. They demand wins, which is clear to me, but I think that all four matches are important, no matter the results from the matches against Spain.

"Crucial will be the last two matches against Switzerland and Portugal," said Obrvan.

"Now we play against the world champions, which are the world's best team, and it will be difficult for us, so I want to prepare the players to be ready to surprise Spain - either to win or to draw.

"If we don't achieve that, chances are not lost nor will we give up until the final matches."

Among the main changes Ivica Obrvan made are the return of middle back Goran Kuzmanovski and left-hander Lazo Majnov.

Both had missed the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia and the 2013 World Championship in Spain.

FYR Macedonia are also prepared even if Spain plays with special guards for Kiril Lazarov and Naumce Mojsovski as they are the team's stars and many opponents try to neutralise them.

Right back Kiril Lazarov plays in Spain, and his colleagues know how to defend against him, and Naumce Mojsovski is currently the fifth best scorer in the VELUX EHF Champions League.

"We will have a several variations how we can play '5 against 5' if player is isolated, but I hope this is only the second option for Spain.

"We do not have time to try a lot of new things," said Obrvan.

FYR Macedonia's squad for the EHF EURO 2014 qualifiers against Spain on 3 and 7 April:

Goalkeepers: Zlatko Daskalovski (Vardar PRO), Nikola Mitrevski (Metalurg), Borko Ristovski (VfL Gummersbach, Germany), Petre Angelov (Metalurg)

Wingers: Vladimir Nedanovski (Vardar PRO), Goce Ojleski (Vardar PRO), Vladimir Temelkov (HC Basharage, LUX), Goce Georgievski (Metalurg)

Backs: Naumce Mojsovski (Metalurg), Ace Jonoski (Metalurg), Velko Markoski (Metalurg), Filip Lazarov (Vardar PRO), Filip Mirkulovski (Metalurg), Goran Kuzmanovski (HC Odorheiu Secuies, ROM), Branislav Angelovski (Constanta, ROM), Kiril Lazarov (Atletiko Madrid, ESP), Lazo Majnov (Elverum, NOR), Milan Levov (Metalurg)

Line players: Vanco Dimovski (Metalurg), Nikola Markoski (Vardar PRO), Stojance Stoilov (Vardar PRO)

TEXT: Goran Antevski / ts