Steve Camilleri... great asset for Malta.Steve Camilleri... great asset for Malta.

Malta face a tough start to the first qualification tournament of the European Championships when they take on group favourites France in Utrecht tonight.

France are no strangers for Malta as the two sides met in the play-off round of the 2014 European Championships. The strong French won both legs 20-8 (away) and 20-6 (home).

With two tricky opponents, the Netherlands and Latvia, completing the group, coach Karl Izzo said the Maltese team must raise their game if they are to hold their own in this competition.

“Malta are playing in arguably the toughest of the four qualifying groups being played this week,” Izzo told Times of Malta. “We know the strength of the French team after playing them twice last year... they are the clear favourites.

“The Dutch are also very strong.

“I had the opportunity to watch them against Germany this week and they are well-prepared, physically and technically.

“Latvia are virtually newcomers in the Euro scene, so it’s difficult to say how strong they are. But, there is no doubt, that we have to approach every match with 100 per cent concentration as gaining positive results this week will not be easy.”

The European Championships qualifying campaign is split into two phases with the points collected in this week’s matches carried forward to the second series of tournaments which will be played in October.

“Our main goal is to try and win as many points as possible so that we are in the best possible position for the second tournament in October,” Izzo added.

“Overall, I’m satisfied with the team’s preparations. We have been training since the first week of January. Last week we had the opportunity to play a number of friendlies against Hungarian side Miscolt and the team gained some valuable match practice.

“Steve Camilleri joined the team on Monday and he is a great addition to our squad.

“I’m looking forward to the tournament which I hope will give us a lot of satisfaction.”

Programme
Today: 19.45 Netherlands vs Latvia; 21.15 France vs Malta.
Tomorrow: 15.15 Netherlands vs Malta; 16.45 France vs Latvia.
Sunday: 12.15 Malta vs Latvia; 13.45 Netherlands vs France.

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