National coach Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia said yesterday his boys were eager to obtain a positive result today despite facing a tough encounter against one of the Group’s top sides – Sweden.
At present, the Scandinavians are occupying second place three points behind Slovenia, but they have two matches in hand.
Farrugia is aware that the Swedes are a very good side and physically very strong. “They will prove to be tough opponents, but we believe in our own abilities and firmly believe we can get a positive result, even against such opponents. We will not play a defensive match as long as that is possible. Of course, we will be missing the services of Leighton Grech, Mark Scerri and Triston Caruana - they are all ruled out .
“My only question mark is Miguel Ciantar who has to pass a fitness test. If he is declared fit, my formation will be the following: S. Sultana, L. Martinelli, Y. Camilleri, Z. Muscat, M. Gauci, R. Muscat, C. Borg, B. Kristensen, S. Pisani, M. Ciantar, T. Vella.
Farrugia was also asked whether he would be interested in taking over the national team if offered the post by the MFA. “At present I am committed to do a job with the Under 21. I am fully concentrated on this job which we started 10-11 months ago and with the help of Technical Director Robert Gatt, I think we are on the right track,” he added.
As usual Farrugia laid the emphasis on positive thinking not only by his boys but also by all those who start playing football at a young age.
Players Clyde Borg and Yessous Camilleri also addressed the press yesterday saying that they hoped to have a good crowd supporting them on this occasion. “Support is important for us. It motivates us to make bolder efforts in the hope of obtaining a positive result even against strong opponents such as Sweden,” said Camilleri.
Borg said he felt it is an advantage for the Malta team to be playing the first match against Sweden at home.
Robert Gatt later revealed that five foreign scouts from clubs like Chelsea, Torino, Atalanta, Bruges and Marseilles will be at the Hibernians Stadium this evening to take a look at some players.