Malta start their qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 with a tough encounter against Croatia in Zagreb this evening in a qulaifying Group H match at Maksimir Stadium.
Starting once more as underdogs, in a group that also comprises strong opponents like Bulgaria, Norway and Azerbaijan, Malta will try to figure decently in another Euro qualifying campaign.
The Malta national team has been preparing well for today’s match, having also played a friendly against Slovakia last Thursday and lost narrowly 1-0, producing an encouraging performance.
Malta’s new defensive formation of three central defenders, playing close to each other, and two wide backs in a flexible 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation, will be put under severe test agianst Croatia.
However, national coach Pietro Ghedin has been talking with great optimism about this new set-up, as, according to him, it provides an extra defender as well as an extra midfielder when we have possession.
Therefore, today’s starting lineup is not expected to differ much from the one used against Slovakia. Jonathan Caruana, Andrei Agius and Ryan Camilleri will probably hold to their role as the back three with wide backs Clayton Failla and Steve Borg.
Justin Haber will try to reclaim his place in goal after being left as a substitute against Slovakia, but Andrew Hogg has shown that he is also going through a good patch.
The midfield will probably include the likes of industrious players Ryan Fenech, Rowen Muscat and Paul Fenech with Andre Schembri supporting main striker Michael Mifsud as Ghedin is expected to opt for experience although fringe players like Edwrad Herrera, Bjorn Krsitensen, Zach Muscat and Ryan Scicluna are awaiting on the sidelines.
Today, Malta will be missing key players Gareth Sciberras of Birkirkara, Valletta’s Roderick Briffa as well as Alex Muscat of Sliema Wanderers because of injury.
Mario Mandzukic, Ivica Olic and midfielder Luka Modric carry the main threat for Croatia as our opponents want to make up for the disappointing World Cup finals in Brazil after failing to making it to the knock-out stages from a Group that included the host nation, Mexico and Cameroon.
Croatia have some impressive emerging talents, some of whom earned tournament experience in Brazil. Inter’s midfielder Kovacic is 20 years old and it may not be long before he is one of the first names on the team sheet. Defender Vrsaljko (22) slightly surprisingly impressed on the left, while forward Rebic (20) has a bullish presence. Midfielder Brozovic (21) also has great promise, with the Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric (23) also in contention for a first-team place.
Croatia’s present squad should be even stronger in two years' time and they should have no real problems qualifying from Group H. Norway and Bulgaria will not be taken lightly, but Kovacs men will most likely battle with Italy for top spot.
Croatia have often shown glimpses of power and strength but coach Niko Kovac has warned his side that Malta cannot be taken lightly.
They will, in all probability, go for experience, with Ivan Rakitic, captain Darijo Srna and Vedran Corluka almost automatic starters.
The two sides met on six other occasions. With five wins for Croatia, Malta only obtained a home draw (1-1) in September 2005.