With the start of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign fast coming into view, the performances of the Maltese clubs in Europe this summer have lifted the spirits of national coach Pietro Ghedin.
The Italian is hopeful that the feelgood factor engendered by the showings of Birkirkara, who tomorrow take on Russian side Krasnodar in the third qualifying round of the Europa League, and champions Valletta will also rub off on the national team.
“This is a nice and positive development,” Ghedin said of the Maltese clubs’ endeavours in this season’s UEFA competitions.
“It shows that our teams are making progress and this gives us great pleasure. I hope they maintain this approach. It is clear that they are going about their business in a more professional manner and have signed valid foreigners.”
While the overseas players have certainly done their part in helping Maltese teams raise their level in European competitions, the contribution of the local boys should not be underestimated.
Suffice to say that Birkirkara coach Drazen Besek had six Maltese players in his starting XI for the second leg of the Europa League second qualifying round tie against Hearts last Thursday.
“We’re happy for the clubs and the players. They have honoured Maltese football and this is very heartening.”
The work-rate of the likes of Gareth Sciberras, Joseph Zerafa, Ryan Scicluna, Cain Attard and Shaun Bajada, were crucial factors behind the Stripes’ 2-1 win which was rubberstamped by a goal from Edward Herrera.
The winger’s return after an injury-plagued season augurs well for his chances of recapturing his best form as well as his status as a regular Malta squad player.
Valletta, who ultimately paid the price for missing a string of glaring chances as they went out to Red Star 4-2 on aggregate, also relied on a host of Maltese players in their team, the likes of goalkeeper Henry Bonello, who missed last week’s match in Belgrade through injury, captain Jonathan Caruana, one of their stand-out performers over the two legs, Steve Borg, Roderick Briffa, Michael Mifsud, Llywelyn Cremona and Ian Azzopardi.
“I’m very pleased because these experiences are very important for our players,” Ghedin said.
“We’re happy for the clubs and the players. They have honoured Maltese football in Europe and this is very heartening.
“Birkirkara have done exceptionally well to reach the third round of the Europa League.
“I hope this positive trend also continues with the national team.”
Given that Malta will meet Scotland at the National Stadium in their opening World Cup qualifier on September 4, Birkirkara’s 2-1 victory over Hearts last Thursday sparked a barrage of tongue-in-cheek comments on social media about the prospect of completing a double over the Tartan Army.
Some fans observed that the onus is now on Ghedin and the national team to emulate the Maltese clubs’ efforts in Europe during their World Cup qualifiers.
“The remarks were light-hearted and should not be taken out of context,” Ghedin said.
“The national team is another thing. While the clubs’ improvement is beneficial for our players, international football is the highest level. In club football, you can use several foreigners but this is not possible at national team level.
“Nevertheless, I have faith in my players and I believe they will do themselves and the country proud.
“At this moment, I only hope that they are good physically as this is the most important thing for them, their clubs and the national team.”
A friendly away to Estonia on Aug. 31 will be Malta’s final warm-up before the World Cup curtain-raiser against Scotland. The other teams in Group F are England, Slovakia, Slovenia and Lithuania.
“We are currently evaluating a number of things but the itinerary has been finalised,” Ghedin, who began his second spell at the helm of the national side in 2012, said.
“It will be a very busy week for us as, apart from our technical and tactical preparations for the game, we have a lot of travelling.
“The trip is not easy but tiredness is also part of the equation. Players must have a strong personality and be prepared to make sacrifices to reach their objectives.”
While Valletta, who advanced to the second qualifying round of the Champions League on away goals after a 2-2 draw against B36 Torshavn of Faroe Islands, and Birkirkara, 3-1 winners over Bosnian side NK Siroki Brijeg in the initial round, have stolen the limelight, Balzan also cut a good figure in the first round of the Europa League.
After losing 2-0 to Neftchi Baku at home, Balzan were a different team in the return leg. They narrowly missed out on qualification as two delightful goals from Lydon Micallef, on as a second-half substitute, gave them a 2-1 win in a game that saw Malta midfielder Paul Fenech miss a penalty with the score tied at 1-1.
Micallef’s scoring impact in the away game against Neftchi has renewed calls for Ghedin to name the 24-year-old striker in his squad for the trip to Estonia.
“Lydon Micallef scored two fine goals after coming off the bench,” Ghedin said.
“We are monitoring his performances but the same applies to all the Maltese players… they are under constant observation.
“Nowadays, we have little space and time to see more players in training because we only meet up in those eight days when there is an international week.
“But, I have to stress that those who, in my opinion, deserve to be with us will be given a chance.”