The new Head of Coach Education at the Scottish FA was dispatched to spy on the Balkan nation in the friendly in Skopje and left impressed with Mirsad Jonuz’s team, who led 2-0 at half-time before losing 3-2.
Park senses the Macedonia’s will cause more problems at Hampden as they chase a first finals place of their own. “They played very well in the first half against Spain and were very good on the counter attack. Sometimes we are prone to perceiving these teams as small football countries but they’re not. I was impressed by their play and their attitude.”
Victory for George Burley’s side would set up a grandstand finish against the Netherlands on Wednesday night and Park believes an attack-minded Macedonia display would play into Scotland’s hands.
“I don’t know if they will go 4-3-3 again like they did against Spain,” he said. “When I went over, I was told they normally play a back three. But it would be better for Scotland if they opened up a wee bit.
“I certainly think we can do it and take it to Wednesday night. I think we have the players and the belief and don’t see why we can’t beat them.”
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