Thursday, March 15, 2018

July 13, 2017 - Europa League - Shkendija (MKD) 3 HJK Helsinki (FIN) 1









July 13, 2017
Europa League - 2nd round qualifying 1st leg
Shkednija 3 HFK Helsinki 1
Attendance - 1,492

Over the past few years, most European matches in Macedonia had been played in Skopje, but the main stadium this time around was not available.  Most of the early round European matches were played in Strumica in the southeast part of the country.

Mladost Stadium was in poor condition at the time, and probably barely qualified for European play.  The only positive was the pitch, which was in fantastic condition.

Shkendija are from Tetovo in the northwest of Macedonia and about 200km from Strumica.  This fact obviously hurt attendance, and the 37C temperature certainly didn't help either.

Since last summer the stadium has hosted a few full international matches and has been renovated with new seats, stands, and proper lighting.


Futsal - Okres Prostějov - January 28, 2018




Futsal - Okres Prostějov - 1. třída
January 28, 2018
Attendance - 4

Okres Prostějov is the 5th tier of futsal in the Czech Republic.  The league plays on weekends from November to February.  Tournaments are played in Prostějov, Kostelec na Hané, Nezamyslice and Němčice nad Hanou.

This particular tournament which I attented was played in Kostelec, and as you can see it is not the most popular spectator sport.  The level is not terrible and a few years back one club from Prostějov made it to the Czech Cup quarter-finals.