Heese counting on 'team spirit' to unsettle Hungary

Forget names. Forget reputations. For Horst Heese, the key word in football is team spirit and organisation, especially if you happen to be the coach of a national team from a tiny island like Malta.

This evening at the Ferenc Szusza Stadium in Budapest, Malta will, for the umpteenth time, attempt to pull off a giant-killing coup against Hungary in the hope of adding to a meagre tally of one point from seven matches in Group Eight of the World Cup 2006 qualifying series.

"My philosophy is that football is a team game," Heese said at the Hotel Corinthia Aquincum, the base of the Malta squad in the Hungarian capital.

"I'm convinced that the only way to be successful is by having good team spirit and good organisation. We really put a lot of emphasis on trying to keep the team together.

"Take Chelsea as an example. They have brought in some of the best players in the world but they keep everyone happy with the sort of money they pay them.

"Money is not our motivation. I want to have players motivated to represent their country even if they know that most of the time they are going to lose."

Since regaining the reins of the national team in 2003, Heese has drafted in several new players who replaced some high-profile names, including Daniel Bogdanovic, William Camenzuli and, lately, Stefan Giglio and Jeffrey Chetcuti. The exclusion from the national squad of the established ones was not met with universal approval but Heese is unconcerned about growing criticism of his bold selection policy.

"Players who are not prepared to make sacrifices and don't try their best are not worthy of a place in the squad," Heese, now in his final month as national coach, said.

"In Maltese football, there are no stars. It tells everything about the poor standard of the Premier League that a player who spent the season before in Gozo is now seen as one of the best performers in Malta's top flight so far," added Heese.

Heese did not mention names but was unmistakably referring to Bogdanovic who has been one of the most impressive players since rejoining Sliema Wanderers.

For tonight's game, Heese is investing his hopes in his 'own men', making only two forced changes from the team that held Northern Ireland to a 1-1 draw in a friendly at home last month.

Birkirkara defender Kenneth Scicluna has received Heese's nod to replace Luke Dimech while Massimo Grima will deputise for Valletta team-mate Gilbert Agius who is ruled out by suspension.

The team will stick with a now familiar 4-5-1 plan that will see Andrew Cohen deployed as a lone striker.

The squad yesterday held two sessions at a local training ground. They are due to have another run-out at the venue of today's match this morning after obtaining permission from the Hungarian FA to amend their schedule.

Heese believes that Malta's chances of gaining a decent result would grow if the players weather the early pressure.

"Hungary still smell a chance of clawing their way back into the play-offs," Heese said of Malta's opponents who, with 10 points from six qualifiers, lie third five points behind Sweden and six adrift of Croatia, the leaders.

"Lothar Matthaeus, the Hungary coach, will motivate his players to storm into Malta from the initial whistle. Hungary's aim will be to establish an early lead and make sure of the points.

"I'm expecting a lot of pressure on our defence in the opening 25 minutes and if this is the case, our players should avoid playing short passes at the back because that could be very risky."

Heese is frank about Malta's chances in the final three competitive games - after Hungary, the national team face Croatia at home on Wednesday before hosting Bulgaria on October 12 - but he's hoping that the momentum shown against Northern Ireland will be maintained today and next week against Croatia.

"This team has shown two contrasting faces in the last matches," Heese reflected.

"They definitely displayed a good face against Northern Ireland but the one they showed in the away match against Sweden (0-6) and the first half against Iceland (1-4) was very ugly.

"The atmosphere is very positive... we have seen a video of our match against Northern Ireland to strengthen confidence. Reviewing their performance on television ought to have convinced the players that they can play good football."

The strength of our opposition in the remaining three matches makes it very difficult for Malta to get some points, according to Heese.

"When I first saw the formation of the groups for this qualifying series, I was disappointed," he said.

"It was the worst scenario for us because we came up against teams who do not have many big-name players but are clearly beyond our reach.

"Personally, I would prefer to have teams like Italy, Spain or England in our group.

"Looking at the other groups, Liechtenstein are doing pretty well but we have nothing to show for our efforts. I have to admit to feelings of envy for the points gained by Liechtenstein but luck also plays a big part in football."

Calascione in line for call-up

Birkirkara striker Matthew Calascione is in line for a call-up to the national squad.

Horst Heese revealed that he has been closely monitoring Calascione this season and was suitably impressed so far.

"Calascione is one player I have been following lately," Heese said.

"I like his movement on the pitch and I would say his chances of earning a call to join the squad are good.

"With Michael Mifsud down with a shoulder injury, I think we need to look at other alternatives to increase our options up front. From what I've seen so far, I believe Calascione could be a useful addition to the squad."

Malta's formation today: Justin Haber, Steve Wellman, Roderick Briffa, Kenneth Scicluna, Brian Said, Peter Pullicino, Claude Mattocks, Ivan Woods, Massimo Grima, Orosco Anonam, Andrew Cohen.

Referee: Vitaliy Godulyan (Ukraine FA).

Venue: Ferenc Szusza Stadium, Budapest.

Kick-off: 8.45 p.m. (Malta time).