Valletta's confident display strengthens Caanen's optimism

Valletta vindicated coach Ton Caanen's optimism with a vibrant performance and a resounding 3-0 victory over Keflavik in the Europa League first qualifying round first-leg tie on Thursday evening.

Dyson Falzon, Doding Priso and Geert den Ouden were on target for the Citizens whose flowing football swept the Icelandic team off their feet at a sun-drenched Centenary Stadium. Their dominant showing was like a breath of fresh air for the City faithful, and Maltese football in general, as positive results by local teams in European competitions have been scarce in recent years.

Caanen was understandably delighted.

"I'm pleased," he told The Times.

"If someone had asked me before the match if I would be happy with a 3-0 win, I'd certainly have said yes. I think even a 1-0 victory would have been good for us, never mind 3-0.

"Still, after the match, there were many people who thought that we deserved to score more goals."

On the eve of the match, Caanen stressed the importance of approaching the game in a positive frame of mind. Given the endemic scepticism about the ability of Maltese teams to overcome foreign opponents, many were those who dismissed Caanen's comments as wishful thinking but Valletta's confident display proved him right.

"All week I encouraged my players to be positive," Caanen said.

"I kept urging them to believe in themselves. I tried to motivate and inspire them because mental preparation is very important.

"We also did our homework on the opponents. I prepared a detailed analysis of every Keflavik player, their position, height, strengths and weaknesses. I felt that in every position, Valletta have better players but it was up to them to show this on the field of play."

Having already played nine matches in the domestic league, Keflavik's match fitness was thought to be better than that of Valletta who started pre-season just over two weeks ago.

If Keflavik had a physical edge, they failed to show it on Thursday as they were distinctly second best in every department.

Asked if he had envisaged a stronger challenge, Caanen said: "I expected a better performance from Keflavik but we made it very difficult for them. We were the better team for 85 minutes and they only had a few chances in the final moments of the game.

"I thought we controlled the game well. We applied pressure when we had to. I think Keflavik looked weak not because they are a poor team but because our performance was very good. Considering the hot weather and the pressure of playing the first leg at home, I think we did very well. The players showed a great desire to prove their worth and win the match."

With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Valletta will travel to Iceland in high spirits on Tuesday.

The Citizens are now regarded as favourites to set up a second round clash with Irish team St Patrick's but they must guard against complacency.

"It's natural for a person to feel good and confident after a job well done," Caanen said.

"Our players are happy with their performance in the first leg and I want them to retain that confidence but that doesn't mean that we will take things for granted.

"Our build-up for the next match will be the same as for the first leg. I will prepare the team well tactically and I hope to make the right choices. The players know that there is no room for over-confidence. I'm not worried about that because I have the players who can handle this situation.

"Jordi Cruyff is an excellent player, it's like having a second coach on the pitch. We also have Gilbert Agius, the team captain.

"These players will not tolerate a drop in standards by their team-mates, they will motivate them and ensure that their focus remains 100 per cent.

"There was no over-reaction by us after Thursday's victory.

"We know we still have to play the second leg at Keflavik's stadium and I told the players that we will only open a bottle of champagne if we progress to the second round.

"In football, anything is possible but I also believe that we're more than capable of scoring an away goal."