Three months after the historic win over Armenia, Malta will be aiming to replicate their resilient showing in Yerevan when they meet Denmark in a 2014 World Cup Group B qualifier at the National Stadium tonight (kick-off 8pm).
Pietro Ghedin is keen for his team to reproduce the fighting spirit and tactical cohesion that underpinned Malta’s first competitive win away from home in 20 years but the Italian coach is equally eager to ensure that his players don’t approach today’s encounter with a laissez-faire attitude after the euphoria that greeted their exploits in Armenia.
“It’s important that there is no easing up from our side as I noticed a bit of relaxation from the players,” Ghedin told a news conference.
“After the win against Armenia, everyone was content.
“Our objective is to grow and progress even in defeat. We can’t afford to think that we’ve suddenly become a winning side after just one victory. It’s a long process.
“I believe in the abilities of my squad. We have reached a good level of competitiveness but technically, we obviously lack something compared to the big nations.
“We have to move forward convinced of our strengths.”
Coming after the success in Armenia, Malta’s 3-0 defeat to Azerbaijan in a friendly match last month was disappointing but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, what with two delicate qualifiers against Denmark today and Bulgaria on Tuesday beckoning.
Ghedin certainly hopes so.
“You always learn from a defeat,” Ghedin said. “August 14 is not a particularly good date for Maltese football. It’s a difficult period as the players are still in pre-season.
“We gifted three goals to Azerbaijan but otherwise I was pleased with what I saw. Games like this help you to develop. I thought we were too casual whereas Azerbaijan were determined to win.
“The physical condition is good now. The players have regained their energies and focus now that the domestic league has started.
“I’m optimistic about our team expressing football of a good quality (against Denmark).
“It goes without saying that Denmark’s standards are very high.
“What really matters for us is to leave the pitch with the feeling that we’ve done our duty.”
Initially ranked among the likely contenders for a top-two finish in a strong Group B currently headed by Italy, Denmark are up against it after their shock 4-0 home rout to Armenia left them second from bottom with six points, only three ahead of Malta.
“It’s a disadvantage,” Ghedin replied when asked if Denmark’s poor run of late could make Malta’s task more complicated.
“They will be determined not to give away any gifts. They want to show their true strength... Denmark always go out to win.
“They are coming from a 3-2 defeat to Poland (friendly) but they played well. Even in the 4-0 defeat to Armenia, Denmark were better but Armenia are very strong on counter-attacks.
“Regardless of these results, Denmark still have a great squad. We must fight hard and show pride in our colours.”
Denmark’s pedigree is not the only concern for Ghedin as his defensive resources are decimated by the absence of Luke Dimech and Alex Muscat, both suspended, while Jonathan Caruana is short of match fitness after being sidelined with injury.
Ghedin dismissed suggestions that he should have recalled the Australian-based Manny Muscat to increase his options at left-back.
“I didn’t think about calling him (Muscat),” Ghedin said. “My aim has always been to establish a working group. Clifford Gatt Baldacchino has been with us for the past five months... we can’t invent a player overnight.
“I considered calling up other players but I decided to stick with this group.
“We have to be logical and coherent in what we do.”
In the absence of Dimech and Caruana, the two centre-half roles will be filled by Andrei Agius and Ryan Camilleri. Clayton Failla is certain to play on the left with Jacob Borg, who made his debut in the Azerbaijan defeat, seemingly having an edge over the uncapped Justin Grioli for the right-back position.
The remainder of the team will be made up of familiar names with Gareth Sciberras partnering Roderick Briffa in midfield, Edward Herrera on the right or left wing and Andre Schembri dropping off captain Michael Mifsud in attack.
The two contenders for the other wide midfield position are Andrew Cohen and John Mintoff but the latter’s work ethic is likely to sway Ghedin’s decision in his favour.
The 31-year-old Mifsud is still without a club after terminating his contract with Valletta last May but Ghedin has no doubts about his captain’s ability to perform on the international stage despite his lack of match fitness.
“Mifsud represents the history of Maltese football,” Ghedin said of a player who has scored a record 37 goals in 97 appearances for Malta.
“He’s been training on his own and is in good shape. He’s maybe not the same Mifsud of two years ago but he’s an experienced player and very committed.”
Focused
Malta players Clayton Failla and Edward Herrera struck an upbeat note ahead of today’s qualifier.
“We are preparing well for the game,” the Hibs speedster said. “We are concentrated and aware of the importance of the match. Denmark are a strong team but, as always, we will give our 100 per cent. I hope that we produce a strong performance.”
Herrera said: “We want to maintain the level of performance we showed against Armenia. Every game has its own story but we tend to play better in front of our fans. I hope they will come to give us their support.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that the national team players gave a monetary gift to the members of the backroom staff after receiving their bonus for their win over Armenia, a gesture Ghedin described as “commendable”.
Previous encounters
| World Cup | ||
| 24-03-2001 | Malta vs Denmark | 0-5 |
| 06-06-2001 | Denmark vs Malta | 2-1 |
| 11-10-2008 | Denmark vs Malta | 3-0 |
| 28-03-2009 | Malta vs Denmark | 0-3 |
| European Championship | ||
| 28-06-1962 | Denmark vs Malta | 6-1 |
| 08-12-1962 | Malta vs Denmark | 1-3 |
| Friendly matches | ||
| 08-02-1989 | Malta vs Denmark | 0-2 |
| 25-01-1958 | Malta vs Denmark | 3-0 |
Formations (probable)
Malta (4-2-3-1): J. Haber, J. Borg, A. Agius, G. Sciberras, R. Camilleri, J. Mintoff, C. Failla, R. Briffa, M. Mifsud, E. Herrera, A. Schembri.
Denmark (4-3-3): S. Andersen, L. Jacobsen, S. Kjaer, D. Agger, N. Boilesen, W. Kvist, C. Eriksen, L. Andreasen, M. Braithwaite, N. Pedersen, M. Krohn-Dehli/V. Fischer.
Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos (Greece). Kick-off: 8pm.