There were 11 lions on the pitch at Ta’ Qali last Saturday – quite simply a fantastic performance was put in by each and every member of the Malta squad in the 2-2 draw against Turkey in a Euro 2008 qualifying match.
The boys did not stop for one minute, chasing, harrying and truly responding to the huge support which was booming round the ground. Heroics were performed by all, but special mentions for goalie Justin Haber, man-mountain Brian Said, the indefatigable Jamie Pace, the captain Gilbert Agius and the two forward men Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri.
The team put in a truly inspirational performance. We must be realistic though. Although we showed moments of pure quality, we did at times look very amateurish. But here is a message for the players. The supporters would not have cared if we went down 4-0 in a game like that – it is all about the desire. When supporters see our boys running, chasing, tracking back, marking up and giving their all – it is more than enough.
Even more impressive was the mental strength. Forgive the pun, but at times, Malta’s goal was under siege, yet resolute defending, hard work and a bit of good fortune saw us earn the draw. It was disappointing to concede both goals so soon after having taken the lead, but again credit to the boys. After going 2-1 up, Malta conceded a soft goal which could have knocked all the fight out of the team. But no, the squad regrouped and not only sat in defence, but continued to try and break through to score again.
The stadium was literally a cauldron of noise and really got behind the team. Of special mention was a moment when a Turkish attack was broken up by the right back who then got himself out of trouble by back-heeling to a team mate. This was followed up by calm, neat and composed triangular passes before a long cross field ball was launched forward to Schembri.
The supporters were ecstatic and rightly so. The crowd go behind the team and urged them whether they were doggedly defending or hitting the Turks on the break. The team really responded to the support and you could see that the players were putting in super-human efforts and we think that it was mostly down to the tremendous support they were given, both as a team and individually.
Tensions flared at one point when the Turks equalised the second time. Despite the quick turn of events, two goals in two minutes and a surge of Turkish fans towards the South End Core, the police were on the ball and snuffed the tensions out. Unfortunately, there was an element of Maltese fans who responded to the provocation – thankfully there were no consequences.
And here we would like to say a few words. There was criticism over the way the Core was marketing this game and we would like to say that it was completely unjustified. The Core created a great atmosphere, urging the team on with songs, drum beats and chants directed at our own boys – not the opposition. They really helped the team – they were the 12th man.
Ta’ Qali’s atmosphere was unbelievable on Saturday night – it was like watching a game in the UK. But people need to realise that the fans need to express themselves, it is all a part of football wherever you go in the world. In any country, fans rib each other, take the Mickey out of each other and everyone takes it with a pinch of salt – and that is because it is entertainment. No one says anything when the English dress up in the suits of armour – so why should Malta fans be criticised for having a jibe at the opposition? No. Leave them to it, they created a brilliant atmosphere on Saturday and hopefully the trend will continue.