Fitzel rules out change in tactics for Moldova clash

Dusan Fitzel has no designs to modify his tactical gameplan for Malta's Euro 2008 qualifier against Moldova at the National Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 7.30 p.m.).

Soaring expectations of a home victory in this clash of the minnows have led to calls for Fitzel to opt for a more adventurous approach but the coach thinks his favoured 4-2-3-1 system best suits the traits of the Maltese team.

"We will not play more offensively against Moldova," Fitzel told reporters yesterday.

"Moldova are a good team and they will probably enjoy 60 to 70 per cent possession during the game. From our side, I really don't think we can change much tactically.

"Past experience has shown that we are more dangerous and effective through counter-attacks. By contrast, we always seem to find it hard to create something when we are under pressure to score a goal."

Fitzel painted a rosy picture of the atmosphere in his squad.

"The mood among the players is very good," Fitzel remarked. "We are looking forward to playing Moldova and our hope is that another big crowd will turn up to support us."

As he told The Times in his comments after the 2-0 defeat to Hungary on Saturday, Fitzel attributed Malta's defensive shortcomings in set-pieces to the discrepancy between the height and physical prowess of our opponents and that of his players.

"At the start of this qualifying campaign we weren't conceding many goals from set-pieces but the others have clearly been studying our strengths and weaknesses lately," Fitzel commented.

"Now, I will place more emphasis on our defending during set-piece situations."

Hungary's vigilant marshalling of Michael Mifsud and Andrè Schembri on Saturday showed that their coach Peter Varhidi had given his team specific instructions not to give the two strikers space and time to make dangerous runs towards goal.

Their struggles to escape the close attentions of the Hungarian defenders haven't gone unnoticed by Fitzel.

"Unlike most of the other European countries, we don't have a big squad and our options are limited," Fitzel said. "It's difficult for us to try and change things round by introducing new players.

"In the match against Hungary, Michael and Andrè were denied extra space to try and create something in attack. I have spoken to both players and asked them to give me their feedback on the match against Hungary.

"As for our lack of creativity in midfield, we certainly missed Gilbert Agius's input. Some of the goals we've scored in past qualifiers were set up by Agius and for us, it's hard to replace a player of his quality."

Apart from midfielder Jamie Pace, back in the frame after serving suspension, Fitzel has also called Andrew Cohen back into his squad.

Cohen's promotion suggests a desire on Fitzel's part to enhance his team's attacking potential.

"Given that we spend most of the match trying to keep our opponents away from goal, the pressure on the four midfield players, the two in the centre and those on the flanks, is huge because they're expected to fight for possession and create attacks," Fitzel commented.

"It's normal that some of these players get tired in the last 20 minutes and it's at such stage where I intend to use Cohen. He is a skilful player, he can beat opponents and win free-kicks."

Joe Mifsud, the Malta FA president, said the Maltese players are determined to achieve a positive result in their "decider" with Moldova tomorrow.

"The significance of this match has increased in the wake of Moldova's 1-1 home draw against Turkey," Dr Mifsud said. "Moldova are now one point ahead of Malta in Group C and this direct match is like a decider between two nations who are trying to avoid bottom spot in the group.

"Our players are motivated to win this match," Dr Mifsud continued.

"There also seems to be great enthusiasm among the fans, especially those of the South End Core.

"I appeal to the Maltese fans to come to the match and create another great atmosphere like they did against Turkey where their tremendous support spurred our players to greater efforts."

Malta's 'sparring' with Moldova kicks off today with a friendly between the national futsal selections of the two countries at the AS Hibs Sports Pavilion.

The match will kick off at 8.45 p.m.

Malta's futsal coach Michael Striz has named the following squad for the friendly: N. Bilocca, T. Borg, N. Bray, P. Bugeja. R. Caruana, J. Cutajar, T. Ellis, M. Ellul Sullivan, J. Gatt, B. Gialanze, R. Magro, N. Mijailovic, J. Sammut, B. Vassallo.