The Malta Football Association recently conducted a scientific study whereby the performances of players underwent a thorough evaluation aimed at analysing their physical and mental levels.
The MFA chief executive officer, Bjorn Vassallo, said the knowledge derived will help them develop a benchmark from which the statistics could be compared with those of others from professional football leagues.
The comprehensive study included the technical aspect, thorough observation, interpretation, planning and preparation, all elements which will shed light on the performances of players in our top league.
“The study was presented on video and sent to K-Sport, an Italian firm that specialises in this sector,” Vassallo said.
“K-Sport have also been involved in similar work with other top teams mainly those from the Serie A.”
Vassallo added that the study was intended to collect detailed information on several technical and tactical aspects related to the performances of players during 12 Premier League matches played in early 2013.
Emphasis will also be laid on the physical and mental condition of the 72 players assessed.
“MFA technical director Robert Gatt and Luca Pagani, in charge of the players’ athletic condition, were responsible for this study,” Vassallo said.
Vassallo also referred to the increase in the participating teams in the European Championship, which will now be 24 rather than 16, and a centralised marketing system as advocated by UEFA.
The Euro 2016 finals will be hosted by France. They will be joined by the nine group winners and the nine runners-up from the qualifying phase.
The best third-placed team will also qualify directly and the remaining four slots will go to the winners of the play-offs involving the other eight teams finishing third in the groups.
Ticketing concept
This week, the Malta FA issued details about the ticketing concept and the sale of discounted Goal Cards for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, another incentive for the public to attend national team matches.
The offer will be on the same lines as that for the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign, giving stadium-goers an opportunity to save up to €40 on ticket costs for all five Euro 2016 group matches at home.
The sale of Euro Goal Cards will be available until August 31.
Prices range from €90 (West C Stand – children €45) to €50 (Millennium Stand – children €25) and €30 (South Stand – children €10).
Those purchasing the card will get a chance to win season tickets, signed national team shirts and free membership to the National Stadium pool among other incentives.
Malta will be playing their Group H home matches against Norway (October 10), Italy (October 13), Bulgaria (June 12, 2015), Azerbaijan (September 6, 2015) and Croatia (October 13, 2015).
The match-day ticket for the Italy match alone will cost €50 (West C Stand), €30 (Millennium Stand) and €20 (North and South Stands).
There’s a fixed price for the national team’s other four home matches – €20, €12, €10 and €8.
Tickets for the Malta-Norway and Malta-Italy matches will be out for sale on September 9.