Forza Malta. That is what the local football enthusiasts are being asked to chant repeatedly this evening at the national stadium at Ta’ Qali where Dusan Fitzel’s boys will be facing current European champions Greece (kick-off 7.30pm).
The match comes just four days after last Saturday’s prestigious 1-1 draw in Chisinau against Moldova, which lifted Malta to fifth place in the Group C standings.
Addressing the press yesterday afternoon, Fitzel who would not comment on whether Malta could be considered as the revelation side in Europe this time round, said the Moldova match was past history.
He said: “That is the past. We are thinking of the Greece match right now and this is a new challenge. I have seen Greece in action and I am still of the opinion that they are the Group favourites, despite the 4-1 defeat against Turkey on Saturday. I think that was even worse for us, because they are under pressure from their media and the fans to get a positive result here. For us, it will only be good if we get a good result, even a minimal defeat perhaps.”
Fitzel said he will be missing Dimech, Hogg and Sciberras in the squad. “Woods is almost back to full fitness and should make it till this evening. He resumed training with the group yesterday. Dimech is suspended while Hogg is suffering from a bout of ‘flu which has ruled him out. As to Sciberras, I had to send him home in the circumstances which surround his family. On such a sad occasion, it was impossible for him to play. But we will be behind him and will offer him a helping hand. I wish him to continue with his career in football,” he said.
Fitzel said the team will be facing a number of players who are real champions. “They all hail from some of Europe’s top leagues and they all have a lot of experience and skill. My players cannot be over confident. They will have to keep their feet to the ground and forget about Saturday’s match for now,” he said.
Captain Gilbert Agius will be playing his 99th match for Malta this evening. In June, if he is selected again, he will earn his 100th cap for Malta in the match against Norway in Oslo. Then he will be joining a small group of players who have played over a hundred matches for Malta.
Agius said yesterday the team was right behind Gareth Sciberras who was in mourning after the death of his parents (the funeral of his father is being held this morning at San Gwann parish church).
He added that it was an honour for him to be representing his country as captain. “As for my 99th appearance, I consider it a big achievement. It is also another big honour to be facing the European champions. I hope we have another good performance. At present we have the right atmosphere in the squad. We are like one big family,” he remarked.
Striker Ivan Woods said he was very pleased to have been selected for the match against Moldova. “It is difficult nowadays to find a place in the team. There is a lot of competition. I am also very pleased with the result we obtained in Moldova. I hope to be available once again for the match against Greece. I think the chances of being one hundred per cent fit are very good,” he added.