It’s hard for any Maltese football team not to lose a match out of any two played in succession, particularly if they take place on away soil.

But the Under 21 boys, led by Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia, did just that this past week.

First they managed a goalless draw against Finland yesterday week, and then went on to beat Lithuania 2-1 last Tuesday. Four points in two successive matches is an extraordinary feat for the Under 21 side. That all the four points were obtained abroad adds to the enormity of the success.

Great credit must be given to the whole contingent. Maltese football needed a breath of fresh air and enthusiasm; even more so considering that the two previous weeks were rather shameful for Maltese football – the scandal that hit the national team over allegations of bribery and the violent finish to the FA Trophy final.

That these four points were obtained in a week that saw the national team succumb to its umpteenth defeat – this time against Greece – is yet another cause for celebration. The senior team played dismally against the Greeks, and it was only thanks to a 10-minute flurry early in the second half that earned us a goal, which was of little consolation.

The results achieved by the Under 21 side were therefore of great significance. It had been four years since the Under 21 side managed a competitive victory.

It must be said that the disparity between countries at the Under 21 level is not as great as it is at senior level. But this does not reduce the extent of the performances. Reports arriving from Finland and Lithuania indicate that the Maltese team deserved both positive results.

They now occupy the top place in the group – but, of course, it is still early stages and mighty Sweden and Ukraine still have to make their debut in the competition. Still, these results, apart from encouraging the youngsters to try harder, should go a long way in helping Malta try to obtain a respectable placing in the group.

Coach Farrugia should be commended for his work with the Under 21 side. He is a great motivator and a great tactician, and he manages to bring out the best from every player. For a time he was discarded by the MFA, but now that he has taken over the reins of the Under 21 side again, Maltese football can look forward to a brighter future.