It was only later that the Maltese found out that the Austrian team had been “strengthened” by two or three first division players.

Chancellor Schussel’s visit brought about the return match but this time the Maltese took a leaf out of the Austrians’ book and roped in two first division players. Chancellor Schussel included businessmen and MPs in his team, but was without the first division players.

Result: Malta won by four goals to two.

Both the government and the opposition sides, and the Speaker, took time from last Tuesday’s House Business Committee, to congratulate the team.

Mario Galea, who usually is one of the keenest players, but who is still suffering injuries he sustained in the first game, complained that whenever the Malta players take to the field, they are given a token by the other side, but they do not have anything to give in return.