National team seeks early boost

For the past few days much of the attention had centred on the change in leadership at the Malta FA with Norman Darmanin Demajo eventually elected new president after a delegates’ vote on Saturday.

But, focus now shifts back to the football pitch as this evening the national team makes its first official appearance for the 2010-11 season when hosting Macedonia at the National Stadium.

Tonight’s friendly serves as a warm-up for John Buttigieg’s team before kicking off the Euro 2012 qualifying trek with a double-header against Israel (away) and Latvia (home) next month.

“The match against Macedonia comes so early in the season but it’s a very important step in our preparation process,” Buttigieg told the media yesterday.

“Our Euro 2012 campaign starts before the first league match is played and that means those facing Israel and Latvia will have very little playing time under their belts.

“For us, international matches are always a difficult proposition, irrespective of the opposition. These are still early days, however, we have to make the most of this chance and, perhaps, inject some much-needed confidence ahead of next month’s qualifiers.”

Macedonia have beaten Malta five times from as many encounters. They are here with some of their best players including Inter striker Goran Pandev and Schalke forward Besant Ibraimi.

Buttigieg is under no illusions of the task facing his players this evening.

“Macedonia have made giant steps forward,” Buttigieg, still undecided on his starting line-up, said.

“They are a very physical side and dangerous when it comes to aerial play. They are also coming into this match on the back of four successive victories. So, I’m sure they will be determined to extend that positive streak.

“However, we are confident but cautious at the same time. The most important thing is to keep our concentration levels high for the entire 90 minutes.”

It was inevitable that following last weekend’s MFA annual general meeting Buttigieg would be asked whether a change in leadership would influence his work. The former Malta international, however, seemed unperturbed by the latest developments.

“The elections did not have much effect on our work as a squad as we’re only concerned with football matters,” Buttigieg said.

“As always, our objective remains to improve this team and get as many positive results as possible.”

The Malta coach did comment, however, on the recent change in the foreigners’ rule which sees an increase in overseas players in the top flight.

“I’m not happy to see more foreigners in the Premier League as that inevitably hampers the progress of the local players,” he opined.

“Unfortunately, many times clubs engaged the wrong players, ones who are inferior to the Maltese so that won’t help the national team’s cause. Still, with more foreigners around, local players have a bigger task to secure regular football so that’s a challenge they will have to face next season.”

Malta captain Michael Mifsud, still seeking to secure a move outside the country, reckons Macedonia will be hard to beat.

“This friendly came at the right time but Macedonia deserve all respect due. We trained hard in pre-season and the squad looks in good shape to produce a creditable showing,” Mifsud declared.

“On a personal level, I’m still looking to settle my future. I have been in touch with some clubs but there’s nothing concrete so far. Hopefully, there will be ­developments in the coming weeks.”

Preview encounters

European Championship

06-09-1998: Macedonia-Malta 4-0

18-11-1998: Malta-Macedonia 1-2

Friendlies

27-03-1996: Macedonia-Malta 1-0

27-11-1996: Malta-Macedonia0-2

21-08-2002: Macedonia-Malta 5-0

Malta Squad

Goalkeepers: A. Hogg, M. Muscat.

Defenders: A. Agius, S. Bajada, J. Caruana, E. Herrera, C. Mamo.

Midfielders: R. Briffa, C. Failla, P. Fenech, R. Fenech, M. Grima, J. Pace, K. Sammut, G. Sciberras.

Forwards: D. Bogdanovic, A. Cohen, M. Mifsud.

Referee: Gabriele Rossi (San Marino).

Kick-off: 20.00, National Stadium.