Unfortunately, Malta suffered two heavy and somewhat expected defeats against Portugal (0-4) on home soil and against Albania (0-3), which though some years ago were considered as minnows in the international scene, but their performances, results and ranking nowadays have proved otherwise.

Though against Portugal we played without Andre’ Schembri who was suspended and without the injured Andrew Cohen, the team collapsed when we suffered the second goal. In the second match played on Albanian territory, we even had to manage without Ivan Woods who injured his hamstring in the prior match.

The most difficult task that awaits every Maltese national coach is how to instil in the locals a self-confidence booster, not to suffer goals in the most crucial stages of the game. This can be done only through match practice by acquiring the necessary experience, which is certainly a must especially in international competitive matches.

Herman Buttigieg

Fgura