Lithuania are up next for resilient lads

Rowen Muscat’s last-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Ukraine has not only rewarded Malta U-21 with their fifth point in this qualifying campaign, it has also lifted their spirits ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Lithuania at the Gozo Stadium.

Friday’s stalemate, the team’s first positive outcome in a home qualifier, triggered a joyous reaction from Ray Farrugia but the outspoken coach has warned against the risks of over-confidence.

“There is high optimism after the draw against Ukraine but we have to keep our feet firmly grounded,” Farrugia told The Times.

“We have talked about the importance of putting the Ukraine game behind us and focus on the next one against Lithuania.”

After taking four points from their opening two away qualifiers, Malta came unstuck in their next two home games as they suffered back-to-back defeats to Slovenia (1-4) and Finland (1-2) but the draw against Ukraine confirmed the potential of this squad.

Farrugia attributed his side’s solid display on Friday to the improve­ment in the team’s physical condition.

“We had more time to prepare for these games,” Farrugia said.

“We brought the players in for training on Tuesday mornings to improve their fitness. Progress was evident in Friday’s game as we kept fighting until the end and scored the equaliser in stoppage time.

“It was a very good result as we played against a strong team who also qualified for the UEFA U-21 finals.”

At the start of these qualifiers, Malta were considered as the weakest team in the group but the lads’ flying start did not go unnoticed by their opponents.

That certainly applies to Lithu­ania who have unhappy memories of their meeting with Malta back in June as they lost 2-1 at home.

Farrugia knows that Lithuania, still without a point after four out­ings, will not underestimate Malta.

“We face a bigger challenge this time because after the away game, there is no chance that Lithuania will be taking us lightly,” he said.

“Surely, they are here to make up for the upset against us but we’re also motivated to do well. We have five points from five games and scored six goals. We can always do better but it has been a very positive campaign for us so far.”

Farrugia must make two changes as central defender Yessous Camilleri and winger Miguel Ciantar are suspended.

He repeated his plea for more support to the U-21 team.

“I can’t explain why not so many people are coming to see us play,” Farrugia said. “The joy of the few fans who witnessed our last-minute goal against Ukraine was indescribable. Our players deserve better support I suppose.”

Malta U-21
S. Sultana, L. Martinelli, Z. Muscat, O. Bugeja, M. Gauci, B, Kristensen, C. Borg, R. Muscat, L. Grech, T. Vella, T. Caruana.

Referee: Vlado Glodjovic (Serbia FA).

Kick-off: 3 p.m., Gozo Stadium.

Group 2 standings