In a press release issued yesterday, the MFA described Malta’s 2-1 victory over Hungary in the European qualifying group match as another landmark for Maltese football. Success against a traditionally strong European nation was one of our best ever achievements on the big competitive stage of world football.

The 2-1 result will remain inscribed in our annals in the long term. However, those present at the National Stadium on Wednesday will be proud to have witnessed a remarkably good performance by our team, which could have been rubberstamped by an emphatic scoreline if we had taken some of our chances and if we had had more luck.

It was another occasion when our national team showed that small footballing countries like Malta, can, on particular days, spring surprises and make pundits discard the notion that in football the world order cannot be upset.

The MFA stressed that players, coach and technical staff deserve full credit for Wednesday’s victory.

Not least those who turned up at the Stadium to give their support to our players.

The MFA gave special thanks to the numerous football nurseries who rallied their boys into giving this wholehearted backing. It was an occasion to imbue in the youths a love for football and for our beloved national team.

The East Stand, where the youngsters mingled with adult spectators, was a colourful sight and a reminder to the Maltese public that being constantly behind national side is vital. This was all the more remarkable after the final whistle when the Malta team had a long standing ovation from all those present.

While thanking the players and backroom boys, the Malta FA wanted to show its appreciation to those present at Ta’Qali for their excellent behaviour and for their part in making Wednesday’s game a memorable occasion.