The Malta national team will be facing Croatia in a European Nations Cup and World Cup qualifier at the Hibernians Ground, Corradino, this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

The Maltese, under the charge of coach Damian Neill, have been preparing intensively for this clash and they are confident of doing well against the Croatians.

Malta is currently ranked 56th in the IRB ranking while Croatia are in the 44th position. Malta and Croatia have clashed in the past. The Malta team was victorious on one occasion but lost the other match.

National coach Damien Neill is expecting this afternoon’s match to be very tough. “It will be the same as it has always been. We will need all the support available to be able to give the Croatians a good run for their money,” he said earlier this week.

He will select the team for this match from the following players:

Ian Borda, Kyle Mason, Andrew Galea, Adrian Bartolo, Harry Collins, Mick McArdle, Daryl Psaila, Christoff Diamantino, Clayton Cassar, Steve Kempster, Michael Bonavia, Paul Calgaro, Guy Kennedy, Matthew Mirabelli, James Finlason, Matthew Jarrett, Dominic Busuttil, Donovan Felice, Jarrod Sammut, Oliver Sacco, Ashley Spencer, Lee Culnane.

The South End Core, which takes care of support for our national teams’ matches, is organising support also for this match at the Hibs Ground. Doors at the Stadium will open at 12.30pm.