skopje

Ssortii au decis ca reprezentanta judetului Caras-Severin sa intalneasca, in aceasta faza a competitiei, pe H.C. Vardar PRO skopje, din Macedonia. Primul meci este programat la skopje, in 26/27 martie a.c., iar revansa la Resita in 2/3 aprilie [detalii...]

Nationala masculina de handbal a Romaniei a invins formatia Macedoniei cu scorul de 31-30 (13-16), luni seara, la skopje, intr-un meci [detalii...]

Vardar PRO skopje-UCM Resita UCM Resita va intilni in sferturile de finala ale Cupei Cupelor echipa macedoneana Vardar Pro skopje, primul meci urmind sa se dispute in capitala Macedoniei pe 26/27 martie, iar returul o saptamina [detalii...]

Preview followed by live coverage of Thursdays game between Liverpool and Rabotnicki skopje in the Europa League third qualifying [detalii...]

Echipa de cricket a Romaniei a suferit primul esec la turneul international Euro Twenty20 de la skopje (Macedonia), fiind invinsa de Croatia cu [detalii...]

Echipa de cricket a Romaniei s-a clasat pe locul 2 in Plate Trophy din cadrul turneului international Euro Twenty20 de la skopje (Macedonia), dupa ce a fost invinsa in finala de Tara [detalii...]

Echipa HCM Constanta a obtinut, joi seara, prima victorie din actuala editie a Ligii Campionilor, dupa ce s-a impus, pe teren propriu, in fata macedonenilor de la Metalurg skopje, cu [detalii...]

BC Timisoara ramane fara victorie in Liga Balcanica. Banatenii au facut un joc palid si au pierdut dupa un final palpitant cu macedonenii de la Torus [detalii...]

Universitatea Jolidon Cluj a invins in primul meci al Turneului Preliminar al Ligii Campionilor pe Metalurg skopje, scor [detalii...]

Echipa de handbal masculin UCM Resita a fost invinsa, sambata, in deplasare, cu scorul de 28-22 (14-9), de formatia macedoneaza Vardar skopje, in prima mansa a Cupei Cupelor, informeaza eurohandball.com. Returul este programat in data [detalii...]

Purtata pe val de 2.000 de spectatori fanatici, beneficiind si de un arbitraj favorabil, Vardar PRO skopje a invins sambata seara pe UCM HC Caras-Severin, cu 28-22 (14-9), in prima mansa a sferturilor de finala ale Cupei Cupelor la handbal [detalii...]

Echipa de handbal masculin UCM Resita a fost invinsa, sambata, in deplasare, cu scorul de 28-22 (14-9), de formatia macedoneaza Vardar skopje, in prima mansa a Cupei Cupelor, informeaza eurohandball.com. Returul este programat in data de 2 aprilie, la [detalii...]

Antrenorul echipei HCM Constanta, Constantin Stefan, a declarat, miercuri, ca partida cu Metalurg skopje (Macedonia), contand pentru etapa a VI-a a Grupei F a Ligii Campionilor la handbal masculin este cruciala in perspectiva continuarii in cupele europene, transmite corespondentul [detalii...]

Campioana Romaniei la handbal masculin HCM Constanta a obtinut, joi, la Buzau, prima victorie din grupa C a Ligii Campionilor, in fata macedonenilor de la Metalurg skopje, scor 20-19 (9-12), in etapa a VI-a [detalii...]

UCM HC Caras-Severin si-a aflat adversarul din sferturile Cupei Cupelor la handbal masculin, vicecampioana Romaniei urmand sa se dueleze cu Vardar PRO skopje. In Challenge Cup, Stiinta Bacau va intalni echipa OIF Ardenal, din Norvegia, in sferturile de [detalii...]

Liverpool travel to Macedonia to take on Rabotnicki skopje in a Europa League third qualifying round [detalii...]

* Printre participante sunt si campioanele Romaniei, Electro Romgaz Tg. Mures (la feminin) si Inter Petrila (la [detalii...]

* La skopje (Macedonia), in finala Cupei Mondiale feminine, muresencele au pierdut in fata formatiei slovene KK Lanteks [detalii...]

Sambata, de la ora 13, UCM HC - Vardar skopje, in returul "sferturilor" Cupei [detalii...]

* La skopje (Macedonia) se vor disputa vineri si sambata semifinalele, respectiv finalele de clasament, pentru locurile 3-4 si [detalii...]

Amical cu iz de Champions League pentru echipa feminina Universitatea Timisoara. Divizionara secunda a disputat azi un joc de verificare in compania unei formatii extrem de puternice, Metalurg [detalii...]

Echipa de baschet masculin BC Timisoara a fost invinsa, marti, pe teren propriu, de formatia macedoneana KK Torus skopje, scor 72-74 (37-38), in cea de-a doua partida din grupa A a [detalii...]

Echipa nationala de handbal masculin a Romaniei a pierdut cu 34-28 partida amicala disputata impotriva Macedoniei, meciul desfasurandu-se la skopje. Cel mai important marcator pentru tricolori a fost Valentin Ghionea, cu cinci [detalii...]

Echipa de baschet masculin BC Timisoara a fost invinsa, marti, pe teren propriu, de formatia macedoneana KK Torus skopje, scor 72-74 (37-38), in cea de-a doua partida din grupa A a Ligii [detalii...]

UCM HC Caras-Severin a pierdut calificarea in semifinalele Cupei Cupelor la handbal masculin, desi a invins pe teren propriu echipa macedoneana cu scorul de [detalii...]

"Nationala" masculina a Romaniei a invins, luni seara, reprezentativa similara a Macedoniei cu 31-30 (13-16) intr-un prim joc de pregatire disputat la skopje. Cele doua formatii au mai disputat doua [detalii...]

* Joi seara, pe 16 decembrie, pe teren propriu, campioana Macedoniei din skopje a pierdut in fata campionilor din Slovacia de la Podbrezova, acolo unde Vilmos Zavarko este [detalii...]

Universitatea Jolidon Cluj are sanse mici sa se califice in grupele Ligii Campionilor, dupa ce a fost invinsa cu scorul de 33-21 de IK Savehof, in cel de-al doilea meci al Turneului Preliminar 3, ce are loc la [detalii...]

Handbal. Jolidon, primul pas spre grupeVicecampioana Romaniei, Jolidon Cluj, a invins ieri cu 29-24 (15-12) pe Metalurg skopje in primul meci din grupa a treia de calificare a Ligii Campionilor. Ardelencele au condus tot [detalii...]

Echipa de cricket a Romaniei, formata in majoritate din expati plus 2 jucatori romani, participa in premiera la o competitie internationala intre 10 si 17 iulie la skopje (Macedonia) sub denumirea de The Black Bears (Ursii Negri), luand modelul echipelor de [detalii...]

Pops Mensah-Bonsus 17-point haul cannot prevent defeat in skopje which puts qualification for EuroBasket next summer on [detalii...]

Campioana Romaniei la handbal masculin, HCM Constanta, a fost invinsa, sambata, in deplasare, de formatia macedoneana Metalurg skopje, scor 25-18 (12-8), in etapa a V-a din grupa C a Ligii [detalii...]

Directorul sportiv al Universitatii Jolidon Cluj este increzator inaintea turneului preliminar al Ligii Campionilor, ce va avea loc in Macedonia si in care echipa sa va intalni formatiile Metalurg skopje, Byasen EH si IK [detalii...]

Echipa masculina de handbal HCM Constanta a intrerupt seria "neagra" din grupa C a Ligii Campionilor: dupa ce pierdusera primele 5 meciuri, handbalistii constanteni au reusit sa castige intalnirea cu echipa macedoneana Metalurg skopje, [detalii...]

UCM Resita a scapat printre degete calificarea in semifinale. Romanii au condus si cu noua goluri diferenta, dar pina la urma au cistigat doar cu cinci UCM Caras-Severin a pierdut meciul tur, de la skopje, cu 22-28. Resitenii au [detalii...]

Otelul a castigat sambata cu 30-25 mansa tur cu Metalurg skopje, in turul trei al Cupei Cupelor. Mansa retur se va disputa sambata, in Macedonia. Tot in turul trei, dar in Cupa EHF, CSM Bucuresti a pierdut aseara, 32-30, cu SPR [detalii...]

Monkey taunts aimed at Liverpool players in Europa League tie Uefa opens case over improper conduct of supportersUefa has charged the Macedonian side FK Rabotnicki over allegations of racist chanting in last weeks Europa League qualifying game against Liverpool. Pictures emerged after the game that showed Rabotnicki fans appearing to direct monkey taunts at Liverpool players.Liverpool started the game with two black players in David Ngog, who scored twice in the Reds 2-0 win in skopje last Thursday, and the 19-year-old winger David Amoo. Uefa have charged Rabotnicki with "the improper conduct of supporters".A statement from European footballs governing body read: "The Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body has opened a disciplinary case against FK Rabotnicki for the improper conduct of supporters during their Uefa Europa League third qualifying round first-leg match against Liverpool on 29 July in skopje, FYR Macedonia. The case will be dealt with by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body on Thursday, 19 August."The return leg takes place at Anfield this evening.UefaLiverpool guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Echipa nationala de handbal masculin a Romaniei a remizat, scor 27-27, in cea de-a doua partida amicala disputata la Arad, in fata reprezentativei Macedoniei. Nationala va pleca in urmatoarea perioada la skopje, pentru inca doua partide de verificare in compania selectionatei [detalii...]

HCM Constanta va participa in acest week-end la Echo Kielce Cup 2011, un turneu amical ce va avea loc in Polonia, alaturi de Croatia Zagreb, Vardar skopje si Vive [detalii...]

Campioana Romaniei la handbal masculin HCM Constanta a obtinut, joi, la Buzau, prima victorie din grupa C a Ligii Campionilor, in fata macedonenilor de la Metalurg skopje, scor 20-19 (9-12), in etapa a VI-a [detalii...]

In urma cu aproximativ o ora, campioana Romaniei a obtinut semnatura jucatoarei Yeliz Ozel. Turcoaica este recunoscuta ca fiind una din cei mai buni centri din lume, in trecut castigand Liga Campionilor cu Kometal skopje. Ozel a semnat pe un sezon cu drept de prelungire pe inca [detalii...]

Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt a mai facut un transfer azi, reusind sa-l achizitioneze pe atacantul Krste Velkovski,A de la FK Metalurg skopje, in prima liga dinA Macedonia.Velkovski are 22 de ani, 1.78A metri si aA inscris 2 goluri [detalii...]

Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt a mai facut un transfer azi, reusind sa-l achizitioneze pe atacantul Krste Velkovski,A de la FK Metalurg skopje, in prima liga dinA Macedonia.Velkovski are 22 de ani, 1.78A metri si aA inscris 2 [detalii...]

Vicecampioana la handbal feminin U Jolidon Cluj va debuta in grupa a 3-a din turul secund al Ligii Campionilor, cu formatia Metalurg skopje, in 17 septembrie, la turneul gazduit de Macedonia. Conform regulamentului, prima optiune pentru dreptul de organizare al turneului a revenit [detalii...]

Vicecampioana la handbal feminin U Jolidon Cluj va evolua in grupa 3, contand pentru turul doi preliminar al Ligii Campionilor, cu echipele Byasen Trondheim (Norvegia), HC Metalurg skopje (Macedonia) si castigatoarea turneului [detalii...]

Otelul a castigat sambata cu 30-25 mansa tur cu Metalurg skopje, in turul trei al Cupei Cupelor. Mansa retur se va disputa sambata, in Macedonia. Tot in turul trei, dar in Cupa EHF, CSM Bucuresti a pierdut aseara, 32-30, cu SPR Lublin. Trupa lui Vasile Margulescu este [detalii...]

"U" Cluj abordeaza de azi turneul de calificare pentru grupele Ligii Campionilor. Handbalul poate aduce Romaniei trei echipe in grupele Ligii. "U" Jolidon incearca sa treaca de barajul de la skopje si sa se alature echipelor Oltchim si HCM. Mizand pe cateva jucatoare [detalii...]

Vicecampioana la handbal feminin U Jolidon Cluj va evolua in grupa 3, contand pentru turul doi preliminar al Ligii Campionilor, cu echipele Byasen Trondheim (Norvegia), HC Metalurg skopje (Macedonia) si castigatoarea turneului din turul I, conform tragerii la sorti, care a avut loc [detalii...]

UCM Resita a scapat printre degete calificarea in semifinale. Romanii au condus si cu noua goluri diferenta, dar pina la urma au cistigat doar cu cinci UCM Caras-Severin a pierdut meciul tur, de la skopje, cu 22-28. Resitenii au sperat insa ca, in fata propriilor fani, pot intoarce rezultatul. Si au inceput meciul foarte determinati, decisi sa arate ca atunci cind pui suflet, orice e posibil. [detalii...]

Echipele de handbal feminin U Jolidon Cluj si Otelul Galati si-au aflat, marti, adversarele din turul trei al Cupei Cupelor, la tragerea la sorti de la Viena. Otelul Galati va intalni formatia macedoneana Metalurg skopje, iar U Jolidon [detalii...]

Republic managers only worry is injuries Kevin Doyle may be out for the seasonAs a vote of confidence in his Republic of Ireland players, the one that Giovanni Trapattoni delivered in the aftermath of this vital victory over Macedonia took some beating. The manager assessed the state of his teams Euro 2012 qualifying group and he declared that he had but one nagging fear.It was not the mercurial threat of Russia or the emerging force that is Slovakia. Nor was it the prospect of the return fixture against Macedonia in June, when the heat in skopje will burn on more than one level. Trapattoni glanced to the sky and he suggested that only fates cruel hand could deny his adopted nation a place at the finals next summer as group winners."I am afraid only about injuries, because even if we have good options, its always better to put your best players out," Trapattoni said. "With this attitude, I am sure ... not sure ... I am very, very confident that we can finish in first position. If the team is in good condition for skopje, for example, I think that we have a very good opportunity to win. The team must believe in themselves."Ireland completed the first half of the job against Macedonia in Dublin, aided by two ugly blunders from Edin Nuredinoski, the visitors stand-in goalkeeper, but thoughts inevitably drifted towards skopje and the seasons final tie. Win there and hopes would surge.Trapattoni and Ireland know all about fates cruel hand from their efforts to qualify for the 2010 World Cup (no names necessary here) but during the campaign they showed that they were a match for anyone with their best players available.Trapattoni simply hopes they can make it to Macedonia and the stifling summer temperatures there in reasonable condition. "In my experience, players play in all the games and they risk getting to June and being empty," he said. "Damien Duff? I say, My God, look after him. It would be great if we could get to skopje in the same condition that we have now."Trapattoni said he had watched Kevin Doyle putting in the hard yards for Wolverhampton Wanderers with a degree of trepidation. In the 16th minute against Macedonia, the striker twisted and crumpled to the turf. His season could be over with knee ligament damage. Richard Dunne, another Ireland mainstay, is now suspended after he picked up a second yellow card.Ireland, though, got the result on Saturday without three regular members of the back five - Shay Given, John OShea and Sean St Ledger - and the stand-ins emerged with credit, particularly the goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, who made a one-on-one block from Ivan Trickovski in the 75th minute. Trapattoni suggested Kevin Foley could continue at right-back in skopje, with OShea, who should be fit again, replacing Dunne in central defence. Darren ODea was the third competitive debutant to start against Macedonia and he was praised for his handling of Goran Pandev.Trapattoni has released Dunne, Kevin Kilbane, Duff and Robbie Keane to their clubs before the friendly at home to Uruguay on Tuesday; Kilbane was on the substitutes bench for Huddersfield Town against Notts County on Sunday afternoon, and opportunity will knock for the nations less experienced players.Of them, James McCarthy is causing the greatest excitement. Wigan Athletics Glasgow-born midfielder was given a standing ovation when he came on as an 87tha€‘minute substitute; his competitive debut, finally, to borrow his phrase, "putting to bed" the issue of his international allegiance.Asked who the 20-year-old reminded him of, Trapattoni dropped the names of Michel Platini, Gianni Rivera and Sandro Mazzola. No pressure, then.McCarthy will start against Uruguay, possibly as a second striker, which could see Trapattoni tinkering with his rigid 4-4-2 formation. When the serious business resumes, however, the Italian will seek to embrace the tried and trusted.Euro 2012Republic of IrelandMacedoniaDavid Hytner guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Midfielder pleased at captaining side in Europe He expects significant improvements this seasonLucas Leiva would relish stepping into Javier Mascheranos boots should, as is widely expected, the unsettled Argentinian depart Liverpool this summer. At one time that idea might have prompted derision among Anfield regulars but the Brazilian central midfielder has begun quietly winning over his critics.Deployed in an enforcement role Lucas not only captained an understrength Liverpool during a comfortable 2-0 Europa League qualifier firsta€‘leg win against FK Rabotnicki in skopje on Thursday night but played with real authority."I know I am able to do that [occupy the Mascherano role] because last season I played a few games when Javier was at right-back," said Lucas. "Ive got no problem with doing that job. We all hope Javier stays because he is such a good player but if my chances come I will try and take them. Im not the same player as Javier, we have different styles, but I am ready to play and to impress and do whatever job the manager needs from me. I think I did well last season but I think in this one I can do even better."Lucas still has his detractors but Liverpools new manager, Roy Hodgson, does not appear to be among them and the midfielder is duly hoping this summer may mark a watershed in his hitherto underwhelming career on Merseyside. "Im really proud, really happy of being captain in such an important game. I know there are a lot of senior players in front of me but I hope I can stay in the team. Having the captaincy shows that the manager knows a lot about me and believes in me. I am ready to give my best for Liverpool."Hodgsons starting XI for the Anfield return on Thursday could be significantly revamped with Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Joe Cole possibly coming back into contention following posta€‘World Cup breaks. However, Lucas insists he and others, most notably the 17m Alberto Aquilani, will not step aside without a fight. "There is a lot of competition for places, but that can only be good for Liverpool and what we want this season," he said. "There are lots of good players going for the team now - and Alberto is getting his fitness back all the time."Aquilani was used in a floating role behind the impressive, newly robust lone striker David Ngog - who scored both goals and held the ball up far better than on previous occasions - in skopje. It was a tactical switch applauded by Lucas. "The shape was really good and hopefully that will carry on. Hopefully this year will be a lot better than last. We are expecting positive things."There were isolated reports of racist abuse during the match on Thursday. Accordingly Uefa is waiting to assess submissions from its delegate in skopje and the match referee before deciding whether a disciplinary case should be opened against FK Rabotnicki. Liverpool were unaware of any such incident, although their Greek centrea€‘half Sotirios Kyrgiakos was jeered every time he touched the ball, thereby reflecting the loathing many Macedonians harbour for their southern neighbours.LiverpoolEuropa LeagueLouise Taylor guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Rabotnicki defeat Armenian side to set up clash First leg at Anfield next ThursdayLiverpool will face Rabotnicki in the third qualifying round of the Uefa Europa League after the Macedonian side completed a 1-0 aggregate victory over the Armenian side Mika tonight.The two sides played out a largely uneventful draw in Yerevan, meaning that Wandeirs goal from the first leg in skopje was enough to take his side through.Rabotnicki won that match despite playing for more than 45 minutes with only 10 men.The first leg will be at Anfield next Thursday, with the return in Macedonia the following Thursday, 5 August.LiverpoolEuropa League guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Liverpool manager fears burnout ahead of tough season FK Rabotnicki ties will be unbelievably difficultAugust is still a week away and Roy Hodgson has yet to oversee his first competitive game at Anfield but, already, Liverpools new manager is talking darkly of burnout and "unbelievably difficult" challenges ahead.The first arrives on Thursday in skopje, the Macedonian capital, at the home of FK Rabotnicki in the first leg of a Europa League qualifier."These will be two unbelievably difficult games for us at this stage of the season," says Hodgson, whose sports science and medical staff have urged him not to risk playing a host of established names including Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Glen Johnson. All are still recovering from their World Cup adventures (or misadventures) and the fear is that utilising them now would prompt mid-season burnout."Its a lose, lose," says Hodgson, acutely conscious of boardroom pressure to chase silverware. "It will be very difficult without our top players but the sports scientists say if we use them now well lose them further down the line."The teamsheet on Thursday should certainly make interesting reading. And particularly after a very young, highly inexperienced Liverpool lost 1-0 at Kaiserslautern yesterday in a friendly only notable for the fact that it was Milan Jovanovics debut, Hodgson sending the Serbia winger, signed from Standard Liege, on for the second half.If Thursday will be a big night for Alberto Aquilani - Hodgson has made it clear he expects Rafael Benitezs 17m buy from Roma last summer finally to display his hitherto hidden talents in skopje - it also represents arguably Rabotnickis biggest game since September 2007 when they faced Bolton Wanderers in the Uefa Cup. Significantly, playing Sammy Lees then side earned a club sometimes dubbed "The Romantics" as much money as they usually expect to accrue in an entire year.Small wonder a Rabotnicki website yesterday proclaimed: "Liverpool will come to Macedonia - one of the worlds biggest clubs will play Rabotnicki in a qualifying Europa League tie. And, no, its not a joke, nor a dream."Hodgson trusts his arrival at skopje "Alexander the Great" Airport will not herald a nightmare. If Liverpool must be mindful of Filip Petkovski, Rabotnickis highly promising 20-year-old striker, at least an ongoing refurbishment of the Philip II Arena - commonly known as the Gradski Stadium - dictates they are unlikely to suffer the same deprivations faced by Bolton.Three years ago Nicolas Anelka and company raised eyebrows by declining to use the away dressing-room facilities following a 1-1 draw - they scraped a 1-0 win at the Reebok - instead detouring to a nearby hotel before racing to the airport and their return flight to Manchester.Yet even if the showers are not quite up to Premier League standard, Hodgson will have few compunctions about reminding his players that, right now, Liverpool are in no position to be precious.LiverpoolRoy HodgsonFriendliesLouise Taylor guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Spurs striker was substituted at half-time against Aston Villa Zenit St Petersburgs Alexander Bukharov set to replace himTottenhams Roman Pavlyuchenko will miss the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Ireland and Macedonia with an ankle injury, Russias coach, Dick Advocaat, has confirmed. "Last night we made a decision that Pavlyuchenko will not travel with the squad to Dublin and skopje," he said.Advocaat said he would not risk Pavlyuchenko, who was substituted at half-time in Tottenhams win over Aston Villa on Saturday, in Fridays Group B qualifier in Dublin or in Macedonia next Tuesday.The Zenit St Petersburg forward Alexander Bukharov will be called up.RussiaTottenham HotspurEuro 2012 guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Striker suffered knee injury in Republics win over Macedonia Doyle could be back in four to six weeksKevin Doyle hopes to return for Wolverhampton Wanderers before the end of the season to help in their fight for Premier League survival, after a scan on his injured knee ligament showed that there was no rupture and the damage might not be as serious as was first feared.The striker hurt the ligament playing in the Republic of Irelands 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Macedonia in Dublin on Saturday night and there were fears after the game that his season could be over.Doyle returned to England on Sunday and he has now undergone a detailed examination, which Giovanni Trapattoni, the Republic manager, suggested had offered some hope for both club and country.Trapattoni is keen to have Doyle back in his team for the return fixture against Macedonia in skopje on 4 June. Ireland sources suggested that Doyle could be out for four to six weeks."Its not good but its not bad, bad," Trapattoni said. "Its the medial ligament and there is pain. Theres no rupture; its an extension, a strain. Its up to him now to see when he wants to come back."Wolverhampton WanderersRepublic of IrelandDavid Hytner guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson also to miss qualifier New signings Milan Jovanovic and Danny Wilson will make tripRoy Hodgson travelled to Macedonia this morning with a makeshift squad for his first competitive match as Liverpool manager.England World Cup quartet Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson were among the high-profile absentees for tomorrows Europa League third qualifying round first leg clash against FK Rabotnicki in skopje.The four only returned for pre-season training last week while the likes of Jose Reina, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel are still enjoying an extended summer break.Lucas, Alberto Aquilani, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos added some experience to a youthful squad, while new signings Milan Jovanovic and Danny Wilson did make the trip and could be in line to make their debuts at the Philip II Stadium.Team: (from)Cavalieri, Gulacsi, Kelly, Ince, Skrtel, Agger, Wilson, Kyrgiakos, Ayala, Darby, Shelvey, Eccleston, Amoo, Dalle Valle, Aquilani, Lucas, Spearing, Ngog, Jovanovic.Roy HodgsonLiverpoolEuropa League guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]

Happily for Giovanni Trapattoni and the Republic of Ireland, it was the visiting goalkeeper who had a Macedonia. Edin Nuredinoski entered this tie largely as an unknown but he ensured that he etched his name indelibly on to the Ireland effort to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals.Twice in the first half, he blundered horribly to present first Aiden McGeady and then Robbie Keane with goals and, try as they might to make things interesting, Trapattonis men closed out the result. It should never have come to it, but Ireland were ultimately indebted to Keiren Westwood, the goalkeeper, who made his competitive debut. With 15 minutes to go, he blocked one-on-one from the excellent Ivan Trickovski and the home crowd exhaled in relief.Ireland have bad memories of Macedonia from a pair of dismal results against them in the late 1990s, which spawned the phrase that equates to a nightmare performance. It was Nuredinoski who could hang his head here. He was even wearing an orange jersey, as Ireland had done in 1997.Ireland started the day in second place in Group B and, bizarrely, they finished it in third, due to head-to-head result complexities. Their campaign, however, escaped damage and, not for the first time, Trapattoni could savour the primacy of the result, although he did profess himself to be happy with the performance.He said that McGeady had been the games outstanding player while he also felt vindication over his selection of Darron Gibson, Kevin Foley and Darren ODea; the latter pair were also competitive debutants."I have total reason to be happy for three reasons," Trapattoni said. "Firstly, the result; secondly, the performance of the team overall and of some players specifically and, thirdly, because I am always questioned about Gibson, Foley and ODea. They did well tonight."Trapattonis assertion that his team had "controlled the game very well" was open to question, but there was no doubt that they did so for the opening half hour. During that period, they established a two-goal lead and it might have been more had the substitute Shane Long not sliced his finish, after running the inside right channel and checking inside.The opening goal was the stuff of dreams for Ireland, coming as it did after 84 seconds, but it looked worse for Nuredinoski with each rerun. Kevin Doyle worked the ball to the left where McGeady darted back inside to shoot low and right-footed for the near corner. The shot packed a punch, but Nuredinoski looked to have it covered. When it reared up off the patchy turf, Nuredinoski, diving to his right, could only help it into the net.Worse was to follow for the goalkeeper. Having spilled a shot from Damien Duff only to recover ahead of the onrushing Doyle, he erred again on Gibsons 25-yard free-kick. Again, the shot was well struck, but it ought to have presented few problems. To Irelands delight, Nuredinoski fumbled and Keane pounced for his 46th international goal. Keane was not the favourite to get there first but Nuredinoski was embarrassingly slow to get down."The mistakes of our goalkeeper affected the result," said the Macedonia coach, Mirsad Jonuz. "But it will be different when we play Ireland in skopje in June. We hope to have our first-choice goalkeeper back by then."Ireland lost Doyle to what Trapattoni said was a serious knee ligament injury, which threatens the remainder of his season, and Richard Dunne was booked for a tackle on Goran Pandev and he will be suspended for the trip to skopje.Pandev sparked the Macedonia revival with a through ball for Trickovski, which he finished coolly and, from a position of comfort, Ireland contrived to ensure that their supporters endured anxiety. The tackles flew in and Boban Grncarov was lucky to escape with a yellow card for a kung-fu style kick that bloodied Long about the head. Jonuz made attacking substitutions, going to two up front and his team played more inside the Ireland half. Trapattonis men did go close through Duff, but it was Trickovski who had what his manager described as "the chance of the match." Westwood, though, made himself big and Ireland survived. One of their specialities is doing things the hard way.Euro 2012Republic of IrelandMacedoniaDavid Hytner guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]