UEFA U21, Malta v Cyprus: Vella says his boys are well prepared to face another difficult test

Henry Brincat Tuesday, 16 October 2018, 15:00 Last update: about 7 years ago

Malta U21 head coach Silvio Vella listens to questions during Malta's press briefing ahead of Malta's Group 6 qualifier against Sweden. Photo © Domenic Aquilina

When the Malta side will be facing Cyprus in their last qualifier in this championship this afternoon at the Centenary Stadium, coach Silvio Vella will be eager to see his boys showing the same attitude as that displayed during last Friday's 2-1 win against Hungary.

The match starts at 5pm.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Vella said he was very pleased and satisfied with the performance of his boys in the 2-1 win against Hungary last Friday. "I have prepared the boys well once again, although that victory has given them a lot of confidence.

"Of course we cannot ignore the Cyprus challenge. We know them and we cannot just ignore their strength - they beat Turkey and lost in the 96th minute against Sweden in other qualifiers," he said.

Vella believes it will not be an easy match. "Except in a few matches, we have been tough opponents for every team in the group. Now we face a Cypriot team which, like Hungary, had beaten us in the final moments of their home match," he said.

The coach added that he had not yet finalised his starting formation as he was still waiting to see whether Karl Micallef will be available following his injury last Friday.

Vella also said that Jake Grech, Joseph Mbong and Juan Corbolan will not be playing. "They have now inserted themselves successfully in the national team (seniors) squad and it is only fair to keep them concentrating in that sphere," he added.

Goalkeeper Jake Galea said the victory against Hungary was the result of several good performances which had not produced the desired results. "We are a solid squad capable of giving any opponent a good run for its money. We are all dedicated and we are all looking forward to do well again today, more so because several players will be playing their last match at Under 21 level as they will be ineligible for the next competition. We hope to register another win," he said.

Galea said he has relished his move to Sliema W. this summer. "I am glad to be playing in the ranks of a team challenging for the league title and also for a place in European football next season," he added.