Cut out the long balls to Mifsud, Fernandez warns

Israel coach Luis Fernandez has earmarked Michael Mifsud as Malta’s most dangerous player ahead of tonight’s qualifier.

On announcing his 24-man squad for the Group F matches against Malta and Georgia, Fernandez declared his intention to turn Israel into an attacking force but that doesn’t mean that the experienced Frenchman is disregarding the threat small teams like Malta can pose on the counter.

According to reports in Israel, Fernandez has warned his team of the danger presented by the speedy Mifsud, especially when he’s chasing long balls from defence.

The Israel coach, who will be taking charge of his first competitive match since taking over in March, expects Malta to adopt ultra-defensive tactics as, in one of his team’s training sessions in the past few days, he reportedly told his players to ready themselves for a tough match as Malta will probably put 10 men behind the ball.

Fernandez is expected to field an experienced team for tonight’s qualifier and the indications from training are that he may switch Tamir Cohen, of Bolton Wanderers, from midfield to centre-half.

Previous matches

European Championship

12-10-2002 - Malta vs Israel: 0-2
10-09-2003 - Israel vs Malta: 2-2

Friendly matches

06-09-1984 - Israel vs Malta: 2-1
02-12-1987 - Israel vs Malta: 1-1
18-10-1988 - Israel vs Malta: 2-0
11-01-1989 - Malta vs Israel: 1-2

Probable Teams

Malta: A. Hogg, J. Caruana, C. Mamo, M. Muscat/E. Herrera, G. Sciberras, A. Agius, S. Bajada, R. Briffa, M. Mifsud, D. Bogdanovic, J. Pace.

Israel: D. Aouate, D. Bondarv, T. Cohen, T. Ban Haim, D. Ben Dayan, A. Yadin, L. Rafaelov, A. Cohen, Y. Benayoun, G. Arbeitman, B. Sahar.

Referee: Ennjimi Sai (France).

Kick-off: 20.15 – Ramat Gan stadium.