Malta’s national coach Pietro Ghedin did not hide his ambition to obtain a win against Armenia today, when Malta hosts the first opponents in the World Cup 2014 qualifying match from Group B (kick off 8pm) at Ta’ Qali National Stadium.

Speaking to the press yesterday morning, prior to the national team’s final preparations, Ghedin said that for today’s match, he will stick to an attacking game plan in a 4-2-3-1 configuration that has brought our national team success in the recent friendly matches. He said that since returning for the second stint as Malta’s national coach, , he has managed to instill a winning mentality in his players and will not be satisfied unless Malta wins.

The Italian coach is optimistic that through expereience, technique and tactics, the players are able to perform well.

Ghedin though is aware of the difficult task ahead, stating that Armenia are a very strong side who obtained 17 points in their qualifying matches for EURO 2012.

Malta were beaten by Armenia with identical 1-0 scoreline in the previous three matches played between these two teams. Ghedin hopes this trend will be broken today.

The Italian national coach, who will play against his home country next Tuesday in Modena, declined to name Malta’s starting line-up for today’s match, because, according to him, a couple of players have yet to be declared fully fit.

Ghedin will choose the team from the following players:

Goalkeepers - Andrew Hogg (Enosis Neon Paralimni), Justin Haber (Mosta)

Defenders - Alex Muscat (Sliema Wanderers), Andrei Agius (Latina Calcio), Jonathan Caruana (Valletta), Luke Dimech (Mosta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Ryan Camilleri (Hibernians), Steve Borg (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Birkirkara)

Midfielders - Gareth Sciberras (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Valletta), Shaun Bajada (Valletta)

Forwards - Andre Schembri (Omonia Nicosia), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Daniel Bogdanovic (Mosta), Etienne Barbara (Vancouver White Caps), Michael Mifsud (Valletta).