Following Saturday’s positive result in Chisinau, Malta will now be looking forward with greater optimism to the next qualifying home game against current European Champions Greece next Wednesday.

Although considered as a lucky draw, the 1-1 result against Moldova was just reward for yet another plucky collective effort put up by the Maltese national team against aggressive opponents who pinned them inside their own half for long stretches. Yet a mixture of some stout defending and good luck kept Moldova at bay.

Goalkeeper Justin Haber stood out as the local hero after the match. His string of superb saves, including a first half penalty kick from Frunza, helped Malta obtain their fourth point in Group C. But it was an all round collective effort, confirming the present high spirit in the squad.

George Mallia, playing his 50th international match, was the scorer of Malta’s goal on 73 minutes, only for Moldova to clinch a late draw, eight minutes from time.

Undoubtedly, national coach Dusan Fitzel must have been a most happy man after the Chisinau draw as he is again proving himself a very shrewd technician, making our boys work hard on possession, speed and tactical organisation, not to mention the optimum physical condition of the players.

Our next opponents will be tough to break, especially as the Greeks will be expected to go all out to restore some pride after their 4-1 humiliating home defeat against neighbours Turkey on Saturday. Their chances of qualification are far from certain, after Bosnia’s away win against Norway.

The Greek contingent will be arriving in Malta this afternoon and the match on Wednesday will kick off at Ta’ Qali National Stadium at 7.30pm.