Malta will be needing some strong support from every available fan this afternoon when it meets Croatia at the Hibs Ground in a World Cup qualifier.

With Malta’s intentions being those to attain promotion to Pool One A, a victory is required, but as MRFU president Kevin Buttigieg said during the week, this World Cup qualifier is expected to be a very significant game.

The match has added importance because rankings in the next European Cup will also depend on these results. Malta can win promotion to Pool 1 A with victories over Croatia and next week in Belgium.

Coach Damein Neil is also expecting a tough match this afternoon, but hopes his players will once again rise to the occasion. “We will stick to our game. We know they will be a physically strong lot and we also know they have some key figures at the back. But we will be well prepared,” he said.

Neill will start with the following players: Dean Zammit, Harry Collins, Eddie Zarb, Luke Watts, Robert Bonavia, Guy Kennedy, Steve Kempster (captain), Dominic St George, John Dimond, Rohan Spiteri, Oliver Sacco, Jamie Caruana, Dominic Busuttil, Paul Marzella, Lee Culnane.

Reserves: Kyle Mason, Ian Border, Tom Webb, Dave Gasan, Steve Haycock, Matthew Mirabelli, Joe Sultana, Patrick Satariano, Malcolm Attartd, Reuben Vella.

The match, to be played at the Hibs Ground, Corradino, kick off at 2pm.