Malta face Estonia in final warm-up

Dusan Fitzel's Malta face a significant test ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers when they take on Estonia in a friendly in Tallinn this evening (kick-off 7 p.m.).

The squad has been in Estonia for the past week now as Fitzel put the players through their paces in the annual pre-season training camp, fine-tuning his final preparations ahead of the first World Cup qualifiers in two weeks' time.

Malta start the 2010 World Cup campaign on September 6 when they host Portugal at the National Stadium before travelling to Albania four days later in what promises to be a tough group that also includes Hungary, Sweden and Denmark.

In Estonia, Fitzel has 20 players at his disposal including Michael Mifsud, Justin Haber, Etienne Barbara and Andre Schembri who all ply their trade in foreign leagues. Missing from the group are goalkeeper Andrew Hogg and striker Andrew Cohen who are recovering from injuries.

Against Estonia, Fitzel is expected to make use of almost all members in his squad as he looks to take the last indications before making a final decision on the list of personnel he will be using in Malta's opening two qualifiers.

Tallinn brings fond memories to the national team as it was there that Malta experienced one of its most memorable nights in European football. In May 1993, Pippo Psaila's team beat Estonia 1-0 for the country's first ever win in World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, tonight Portugal, now under former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz, will gauge their potential against other European minnows when they host the Faroe Islands in Aveiro.