Fitzel bemoans defensive mistakes

Two matches played, seven goals conceded, two scored and no points gained.

These are the statistics from Malta's opening double header in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, a home match against Bosnia, lost 5-2, and an 'away' 2-0 upset to Turkey on Wednesday.

Such a negative record is sure to provoke the usual outcry about our national team's perpetual deficiencies while questions will also be raised about the work of national coach Dusan Fitzel.

Malta's back-to-back defeats over the past six days have extended Fitzel's poor record to six defeats in as many matches since his appointment in January.

For those who have been following the national team for a considerable number of years, the performances in the last two outings offered precious little in the way of new evidence with regards to the weaknesses and relative strengths of Maltese football.

In the 5-2 defeat to Bosnia, Malta looked culpable in defence, especially in terms of tactical clarity while the recurrent theme, that is physical fitness, also reared its head.

On the positive side, our team clearly made a bold attempt to use possession time effectively as demonstrated by their scoring two goals.

Taking on Turkey in a 'ghost match', as newspaper Bild described Wednesday's qualifier in a virtually empty Commerzbank Arena Stadium, Malta certainly could not be blamed of lacking fighting spirit and organisation.

They may have been outplayed by the superior but largely unconvincing Turks but they went about their task with remarkable tenacity before a soft goal coupled with tiredness took their toll on their performance, hardly surprising given the contrasting standards between our domestic championship and international football.

Let's not forget that Maltese clubs all went out with a whimper in the first stage of this season's European competitions.

After his baptism of fire in international football, Fitzel now knows the magnitude of his unenviable task to improve the level of the national team.

In comments he gave to The Times on Wednesday, Fitzel delivered an honest, straightforward assessment of the team's performance.

"Once again, we got punished for two defensive mistakes," Fitzel said of Turkey's second-half goals.

"We played with more discipline at the back but had less attacking chances than we had against Bosnia. There is no doubt in my mind that the players did their best and all performed to the top of their abilities."

Long balls

After a goalless first half, Malta's stout defence was breached 10 minutes into the second half, substitute Nihad Kahveci slotting home after receiving a pass from Hamit Altintop. Tumer Metin made the points sure 13 minutes from time after the Maltese defence failed to cut a cross from the right.

"I told my players to expect more long balls from Turkey in the second half," Fitzel remarked.

"In these circumstances, it was important that our players won the second ball but we were having problems dealing with crosses.

"The key moment of the game was Turkey's first goal. Once Turkey had taken the lead, they knew that they had secured the three points."

Goalkeeper Justin Haber, defender Brian Said and Jamie Pace, confirmed as Gilbert Agius's central ally in midfield, were among Malta's top performers on Wednesday but Fitzel also singled out other players for praise.

"Andrè Schembri was very active in attack and Steve Wellman did quite well in what was an unfamiliar position for him on the left of defence," Fitzel said.

"I thought Luke Dimech also had a good match."

Ian Ciantar's position at right-back seemed vulnerable after his lame display against Bosnia.

"Ian Ciantar knew that he committed some mistakes against Bosnia but I decided to give him another chance," Fitzel said.

"I was confident he would to better against Turkey... and he did."

Missing from the squad were three established players, namely Hibs forward Andrew Cohen and Etienne Barbara and Roderick Briffa, both of Birkirkara.

Unlike most of his predecessors, Fitzel sought to play down any effect the absence of players might have had in the lead-up to the last two games.

He said: "Of the injured players, I think Cohen is the closest to recovering his fitness.

"It's a pity that he had to miss these games because he had been on form before his operation. I'm confident he can help the team in attack but I must say that I'm pleased with the showings of Andrè Schembri and Michael Mifsud.

"This means that when all the forwards are fit, they have to work hard to earn a place in the team."

At the start of the season, Fitzel selected 33 players to train with him. It's a large pool by local standards but the Czech coach wants to keep the selection exercise as open as possible.

"The doors are open," he said.

"New players? Those who do well in the league will be called up."