Buoyed by their dramatic 13-10 win in Lithuania, Malta are heading into Saturday’s showdown with Croatia in high spirits as they look to retain their place in Division 2A.
Last weekend, James O’Brien’s stoppage-time penalty lifted Malta to third place in the group on nine points, two ahead of Croatia and four clear of Lithuania.
With the bottom side in the group relegated to Division 2B and the fourth-placed team facing a relegation play-off, the Maltese must beat the Croatians on Saturday to establish a comfortable buffer over their rivals ahead of their final two qualifiers next year.
“The match against Croatia is massive for our prospects of consolidating our place in Division 2A,” Danny Sacco, Malta’s team manager, told a news conference at the Hibs Stadium yesterday.
“The players’ morale is sky-high after the victory in Lithuania. Despite missing a number of key players, the team put on an immense performance. The Lithuanians were one of the most physical teams we have faced but our players were unfazed and produced a strong defensive display to gather four crucial points.
“Now, we have another tough match coming up against Croatia and we are not even considering the possibility of losing the match.
“Finishing fourth would mean a relegation play-off and, due to our limited finances, we can’t afford to play two extra matches.
“Thus, we have to make sure that we beat Croatia to move away from the relegation zone.”
Coach Damien Neill is boosted by the availability of winger Oliver Sacco who missed Malta’s last three matches due to work commitments.
Daniel Holliday and Mark Davey suffered injuries in Lithuania but should be fit to start.
Steve Busuttil, the assistant team manager, has appealed to the Maltese public to fill the terraces at the Hibs Stadium on Saturday.
“Our team has achieved some great victories at home in recent years and that was also thanks to the warm atmosphere generated by our fans,” Busuttil said.
“On Saturday, we are expecting another bumper crowd and no doubt their vocal backing will be crucial for the players when facing such a difficult opponent.
“Although our federation does not enjoy huge financial means, we have still managed to get some great results over the years.”
Playing on Saturday: Malta vs Croatia; Netherlands vs Lithuania.
Standings: Netherlands (4-0-0), Swit-zerland (4-0-1) 18; Malta (2-0-3) 9; Croatia (1-0-4) 7; Lithuania (1-0-4) 5.