Malta coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia made it clear yesterday that Malta will be facing two very important games between today and next Tuesday.
Addressing the press on the eve of today's qualifying Group E encounter against Sweden at Ta' Qali, he said that both matches had their own dimension.
He added that his squad is well prepared for these two matches, but the first attention will be given to the match against Sweden.
He said: "In the match in Solna, we had played well in the first half, but then collapsed in the second period. We will try to do better this time playing at home in front of our own fans.
"We are aware that it will be a difficult clash. The Swedes are here to win the three points and might not be content with just a marginal win. We also know that we have always encountered difficulties when facing teams from northern Europe, and this match will be no exception."
Farrugia went on to say he was working hard to change the mentality of the players, especially the youngsters who have been called to join the squad recently. He added: "If we look back at the away match in Romania, then we must all be aware that the team had a very good overall performance. I wish you could have seen the players in the dressing room after the match. There was no euphoria because of that result. Instead, there was an air of great disappointment because the match ended in a defeat.
"But it was a great performance from my boys - they deserved something better. We have made a lot of improvement, especially physically.
"I now firmly believe that we can give any opponent a good game. And if we do just that against Sweden, then it will be a great boost for Tuesday's match against the Faroe Islands," he said.
Speaking about the Faroes match, Farrugia said it was perhaps much more important as we are hopeful of obtaining another win. "A second win in a qualifying group will be nice and it will mean a lot for us.
"It is evident that the result of the home victory last year will be kept in mind," he said.
The coach added that all the 23 players in the squad have been prepared well for these two matches. "It is obvious, however, that for the Tuesday match, we will need fresher legs, but that does not mean that we will be taking today's match against Sweden lightly," he said.
Farrugia also spoke about his disappointment over the loss through injury of Juan Corbolan and Jean Paul Farrugia. "We will miss them both especially on such occasions when we have to play two matches in three days.
"With regard to Corbolan, who had become a regular in the side, I have not yet made a decision as to who will take his place. And I cannot yet announce the formation to start against Sweden although I have an idea. I will only be able to do that a few hours before the kick-off," he added.
Farrugia also showered praise on veteran striker Michael Mifsud. "I cannot forget what he has done for Maltese football. If I forget that, then my place should not be here leading the Malta team. I believe Mifsud will be very important for us in Tuesday's match. He can give us a lot," he added.
Farrugia said the squad's forte was the unity which exists between the coach, the technical staff and the players. "We have no stars, all the players are, but we have to continue working together. After that Romania match we can only look forward with optimism," he remarked.
Midfielder Rowen Muscat also addressed the press saying that these two matches were crucial for the squad.
"The two games are very important for us, but the Faroes match is even more crucial because we believe that we can achieve another win like we did at Ta' Qali," he said.
Muscat confirmed the unity that exists in the whole clan, especially in the dressing room. "We help each other, especially the youngsters who need help to integrate within the squad. But they are all doing well. We have to move ahead step by step. If we do well today, it will be a great boost for all of us."