Malta game more difficult - Haan

Albania coach Arie Haan was at pains to scale down expectations of a high-scoring win for his team in tonight's qualifier against Malta.

The much-travelled Dutchman told a media conference yesterday afternoon in Tirana that Albania's home encounter with Malta will be more difficult than Saturday's opener against the more-quoted Sweden which finished goalless.

"Some may think differently but for me this game will be harder for Albania than that against Sweden," Haan said.

"On Saturday, Sweden came here with an attacking mentality because they wanted a win but this time it will be our team looking to gain a victory. We must, therefore, play an attacking game against Malta."

Haan can rely on a full squad for today's qualifier.

"It's bad news for Malta but we've got no injury problems... my players are all available," Haan said with a wry smile.

His team selection today is likely to feature a host of foreign-based players, the likes of Lorik Cana, of Olympique Marseille, Hannover's Altin Lala, and Ervin Skela, who is on the books of Energie Cottbus.

Haan has set himself the target of improving Albania's fifth-place ranking in the group.

"Portugal are the big favourites to finish top of Group One," Haan said.

"When the draw was made, Albania were ranked fifth out of six teams and my target is to go up one place to fourth. Sweden and Denmark are close to each other and Hungary are not far behind.

"It's a complicated group and you can't tell how the situation will be in a year's time."