Encouraging signs for Malta despite opening defeats

The first venture in international competitive football for the Malta women's team when they played in Group Five of the Sixth European Championships, saw the Maltese girls face Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia in three away matches over the past few weeks.

These ended in three defeats against tough opposition, especially against Romania and Croatia who both won 3-0. The match against Bosnia Herzegovina ended 1-0. The other team in the group is Ireland.

Croatia are leading the group with seven points from three matches, two ahead of Ireland who are Malta's next opponents. For Pierre Brincat's side the October 22 clash will be their first home fixture in the qualifying campaign.

Despite the negative results, there were encouraging signs, considering the limited resources - the team is picked from a pool of 30 chosen from about 60 females playing in the local league - and the fact that the team had never played an international match before.

Coach Brincat said the girls showed great combative spirit and their efforts in all the three outings deserved something more tangible.

Their heart and determination were incredible. It may have been too much to expect positive results against Romania and Croatia, two very accomplished teams.

But against Bosnia Herzegovina the equilibrium suggested that the Maltese would not have been flattered if they had obtained a draw. Even against the strong Croats, Malta did enough to merit a goal.

John Farrugia, MFA vice-president and chairman of the Women's Football Committee, was equally impressed by the girls' enthusiasm and high level of commitment.

Two matches in four days were too much for the team, but such an experience would be useful in preparation for the next group matches.

Malta are now due to meet the strong Irish team on home soil later this month and it is hoped that the girls will play with the same verve they showed in their away matches.

Standings: Croatia 7 points; Ireland 5; Romania 4; Bosnia 3; Malta 0.

Upcoming fixtures: October 12 - Romania vs Bosnia; October 18 - Croatia vs Romania; October 22 - Malta vs Ireland.