South End Core - a driving force behind national team

The electrifying atmosphere of some 13,000 delirious fans during last month's Euro 2008 qualifier between Malta and Turkey at the National Stadium is still vivid in the minds of the national team followers.

The colourful spectacle, mainly produced by the South End Core, and the vocal support of the thousands of red-and-white-shirted fans who filled the stands, made it a memorable occasion for the national team as Malta held the star-studded Turkey side to a 2-2 draw on September 8.

Next week, the South End Core group are all set to offer another warm reception for the Maltese players in a home Euro Championship qualifier against Moldova.

During a conference call at TeamSport yesterday, Louis Agius, of the South End Core, praised the local fans for what he termed 'a decisive contribution' in the Malta-Turkey tie. He is hoping another bumper crowd will be present for the Moldova match.

"The Turkey qualifier was a breakthrough for our football from the aspect of organised support," Agius said.

"I think, before we never witnessed the same colours and chorus for a national team match. We're sure the constant support of the fans was a driving force for our players.

"Now, our objective is to have more of the same against Moldova. Preparations are at an advanced stage. We have everything planned for an excellent backdrop at the stadium. My hope is that all the thousands present for the Turkey match will be back to live through another memorable experience."

Malta striker Michael Mifsud was present at TeamSport yesterday. He urged the Maltese to attend the October 17 match.

"I play in front of huge crowds almost every week now but the atmosphere we had against Turkey was impressive," the Coventry City striker said.

"It gave us added stimulus and a great push to step up our game. For a small team like Malta, it's crucial to have the fans urging the players on. Euro qualifiers are all difficult."

Before the Moldova match, the national team travels to eastern Europe to face Hungary in another Group C qualifier in Budapest on Saturday.

Agius said the South End Core's efforts to organise a one-day trip for this match were unsuccessful as travel arrangements were almost impossible to complete in time. The supporters group is now planning to organise a short trip for the qualifier in Greece next month.

Tickets for Malta-Moldova will be on sale as from today at Lm2 each.

These may be obtained from Geraldu's Kiosk, TeamSport, Dual Zone, KSU, Ryan's Irish Pub, Zmerc Pub, Rookies Bar and all Vodafone outlets.