Friendly match raises funds for leukaemia foundation

An Austrian team, led by former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, beat a Maltese side, composed of parliamentarians and other personalities 3-2 in a friendly match, in which the real winner was José Carreras' Leukaemia Foundation, for which Lm2,200 was raised.

The friendly football match was played at the Luxol Grounds, and the heat had a very stressful effect, especially on the Maltese, who played rather well in the first half but seemed out of breath during most of the second half, even though several of the Austrians were visibly older.

David Agius opened the score and Alan Von Brockdorff scored the second goal, but the Austrian side mounted a comeback and, were it not for some saves by tenor Joseph Calleja, the Austrian side would have scored a few more.

The match was clean, but tackles abounded and ENT surgeon Alec Lapira spent most of the match on the bench after a tussle for the ball with Mr Schüssel earlier on in the match.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi kicked off the match, which was interrupted half way when José Carreras arrived and was given the cheque. Mr Carreras set up the Leukaemia Foundation in 1988 after beating the life-threatening disease himself. He has taken part in numerous initiatives to raise money against cancer since then. The foundation is currently assisting a Maltese family.

Though the Nationalists outnumbered the only Labour MPS taking part... Anglu Farrugia and Chris Agius, political jibes were exchanged jokingly. When one player was hurt in a tackle, Dr Farrugia said one should be careful, as it would take some four years to replace a knee cap because of the hospital's waiting list.

Someone remarked it could be done overnight privately, while Nationalist MP Mario Galea said at least now one could have the medicines for free at the nearest pharmacy!