The Maltese national team will be looking to repeat last year’s victory over Croatia at Corradino, today. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Malta coach Damian Neill is urging his players to keep their focus sharp as the national team kick off their commitments in the FIRA-AER Division 2A with a home qualifier against Croatia at the Hibs Stadium, this afternoon.

Malta and Croatia are familiar foes at this level of competition as the two nations have crossed paths nine times with the team from the Balkans holding a slight edge in head-to-head encounters. They won five times with four victories for Malta.

Last season, Malta beat Croatia at the Corradino ground following a devastating attacking display that saw the hosts scoring five tries in a resounding 37-18 win.

Neill wants his players to reproduce those high standards today.

“Croatia have never been easy opponents as they are a strong side that can hurt any team at this level with their physical power and play,” Neill told Times of Malta.

“So, we have to make sure that our players take the field fully concentrated and settle quickly into our gameplan.

“This will be a tough opener but we have enough quality players in attack who can do the job if we stick to our strategy.”

This will be the national team’s first match this season before next week’s arduous trip to the Czech Republic but Neill is banking on his players to start this European qualifying campaign on a sound footing.

Timely boost

“It’s always important to be sharp and win the opening match because it gives you an extra boost,” he said.

“Last year we lost our first two matches and that put a lot of pressure on the team which also stopped us from showing our best form. The squad showed great commitment and motivation in training this week. We’re prepared for this match as we need to start strongly this time.

“As always, I’m confident we can get the job done because I have great faith in my players.”

Neill, however, has three experienced regulars missing as Matt Davey is out injured while Harry Collins and Rob Holloway are both unavailable.

Again, he appealed to the fans to pack the stadium this afternoon and give their passionate support to the team.

Neill said: “Our supporters have always been great throughout the years and I’m sure this international match is no exception as they will again get behind the team .

“Their backing will inspire our players to go on and produce an extra effort.”

Malta squad
D. Apsee, R. Apsee, J. Basher, Roderick Borg, A. Borg, Ryan Borg, C. Briffa, D. Busuttil, C. Cassar, D. Cerketa, M. Cordle, J. Cutajar, M. Davey, T. Davey, L. Debattista, D. Deguara, K. Dimech, J. Ellul, J. Galea, D. Holliday, R. Holloway, T. Holloway, J. Kirk, K. Mason, J. Morris, J. O’Brien, T. Quarendon, C. Schranz, V. Stivala, L. Watts.

Playing today
Malta vs Croatia - 14.00
Switzerland vs Czech Rep. - 16.00

Results so far
Israel vs Switzerland - 18-29