Malta conceded three goals to Norway in Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier but the defeat would have been more pronounced had it not been for goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

The match had only just started when Hogg reacted instinctively to keep out a dangerous effort from Mats Moller Daehli.

The defensive flaws which contributed to Norway’s three goals didn’t undermine Hogg’s confidence as the AEL Kalloni custodian pulled off a series of timely interceptions, mostly on the rampaging Joshua King, to avert a heavier loss for our national team.

Nevertheless, Malta’s toothless performance on Friday left Hogg with a sour taste.

“It was a big disappointment,” Hogg told The Sunday Times of Malta.

“I know we can do a lot better.”

Having had time to reflect on the team’s display, Hogg believes that Malta were a tad naive.

“I believe that we fell into Norway’s tactical trap,” the 29-year-old observed.

“They wanted us to play but that left us exposed at the back. We were too fragile and conceded a lot of space. And you get punished for leaving too many open spaces against top players like these.

“That is what international football is about.”

Hogg admitted that the satisfaction at his own performance was tempered by the team’s error-strewn showing.

“I have to be realistic,” the former Valletta no.1 said.

“I’m a team player and the team always comes first.

“With regards to my personal performance, I’m quite satisfied. I always want to do my best and I always aim to keep a clean sheet but that is not always possible.

“Last night (Friday) was not our night.”

A positive result would have strengthened Malta’s confidence ahead of tomorrow’s mammoth clash against Italy but, on the other hand, the defeat could increase the players’ motivation to make amends against the Group H favourites.

“It’s a difficult question,” Hogg replied when asked how the performance against Norway might affect their approach for the Italy game.

“It can work both ways I guess.

“That said, I believe that as a team, we have the character to come out of this situation in a fighting manner.

“We must rise to the occasion and hopefully we will make our public proud.

“However, there is a lot of negativity around the national team at the moment and I think it is unjust.

“The situation of Maltese football is what it is and the national coach clearly has a difficult job, his choices are very limited.

“People are pointing fingers but the coach is doing his best.”

There is a lot of negativity around the national team at the moment and I think it is unjust. The situation of Maltese football is what it is and the national coach clearly has a difficult job

When Malta hosted Italy in a World Cup qualifier last year, Hogg was distraught after being left out of the team following the 6-0 hiding to Bulgaria three days earlier.

There is little or no chance of that happening again tomorrow after his composed showing against Norway.

“That was a game (Bulgaria) that left a big effect on me,” Hogg said.

“Since Bulgaria, I’ve been very determined and focused to avoid a repeat of that situation.

“Obviously, in football anything can happen. I’m a person who learns from every situation and my motivation is always to be better.”

Hogg has clearly taken his game to another level since ending his stint with Valletta to move abroad.

Regarded as one of the brightest prospects of Maltese football during his youth, Hogg, who had a spell with Bari in the early years of his career, is now rated as one of the top goalkeepers in the Greek Super League after making the no.1 jersey at high-flying AEL Kalloni his own.

“The thing is that now I have more belief in myself,” Hogg said.

“I’m very confident in my abilities. I believe that I can make it in a top European league.

“Going to Cyprus was a big challenge but I proved myself there.

“Now I’m doing very well in Greece and I look forward to the future with more optimism.”

Hogg’s contract with AEL Kalloni, third and three points behind leaders PAOK, runs out at the end of the season but the two parties are in talks to extend the deal by another two years.

“We are discussing a two-year contract extension,” Hogg said.

“I’m happy with Kalloni and that’s why I’m willing to stay. I’m settled and that is very important for me.”

Being Malta’s regular goalkeeper is an added boost for Hogg who has always been very committed to the national team.

“Playing for the national team is an honour,” he said.

Two years after guarding Malta’s goal in the 2-0 defeat to Italy in Modena, Hogg will again come face to face with Gianluigi Buffon, one the world’s leading goal-keepers.

“How can you not look up to someone like Buffon,” Hogg, who has 39 caps, said with a smile.

“He’s one of the all-time greats.”

Buffon and his high-profile team-mates have again enticed a sell-out crowd to Ta’ Qali.

Malta clearly stand little chance of taking anything from their game against the mighty Azzurri but Hogg has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates.

“Let’s pull together,” he urged.

“Let’s be the unit we were in the last two games (Slovakia and Croatia) before playing Norway.

“We have the qualities and potential to do well but we need to believe in ourselves.”