Over six months have passed since Malta U-21 produced a typically bold display in a 1-0 home defeat to Sweden but coach Ray ‘Żażu’ Farrugia is hopeful that his players show the same attitude and fighting spirit as they prepare to face Slovenia today (kick-off 7 p.m.).
This evening’s Group Two qualifier, at the Sportni Park in Lendava, is the first of two away games in the space of five days with the Maltese also due to play Sweden next Wednesday.
With Slovenia and Sweden occupying the top two places in the standings, Farrugia is aware of the task awaiting his players over the next six days.
“They’re the top teams in the group and both games will be very difficult,” he said.
“Our first match is against Slovenia and we are focusing on that. They are a very strong team and their position underlines their potential but if we play collectively, I believe we can give them a tough challenge.”
Farrugia will certainly be hoping that his players give a better account of themselves than they did when losing 4-1 to the talented Slovenians at home in September.
“Slovenia’s Kevin Kampl and Dejan Lazarevic caused us a lot of problems but we have analysed our performance and the players are aware of the mistakes com-mitted,” Farrugia said.
“The important thing is that we avoid a repeat of those errors.”
Farrugia is not entirely happy with his team’s build-up for the games, claiming that domestic fixtures, especially in youth competitions, disrupted his preparations.
“I’m not very happy with how our build-up went,” Farrugia said.
“The majority of the players couldn’t attend a number of training sessions because, on top of the FA Trophy, they also played for their clubs in youth competitions.
“To this end, our preparations could have been better. The overall physical condition of the players is satisfactory but at this time last year we had a whole month to prepare for the away matches in Finland and Lithuania and it paid off.”
Malta U-21 enjoyed a terrific start to their Group 2 qualifying campaign, following up a 0-0 draw in Finland with a 2-1 win over Lithuania.
Since then, the side only managed one point after a 2-2 draw with Ukraine at home.
The chances of getting more points from the remaining three qualifiers look remote as, after Slovenia and Sweden, Malta wrap their commitments with a trip to Ukraine.
Farrugia is cautiously optimistic.
“If you approach a game with a defeatist attitude, the chances of getting something are as good as nil,” he said.
“But, if we keep our feet on the ground and work really hard during games, we can gain some satisfaction.
“Looking back on our qualifying campaign, I believe that if we had not taken things for granted in certain matches, we would have eight or nine points by now.
“I say this because there’s a lot of talent in this squad.”
Birkirkara midfielder Ryan Scicluna and Jonathan Bajada, of Mosta, have been named in the starting formation after both left a good impression during the 3-1 home friendly defeat to Hungary in February and with their performances for their clubs in the BOV Premier League.
Farrugia’s team looks particularly strong in central midfield as the returning Mark Scerri, of Sliema, and Bjorn Kristensen, of Hibs, are expected to provide protection for the back four with Birkirkara’s Rowen Muscat playing in front of them.
Malta U-21 formation: S. Sultana, Z. Muscat, O. Bugeja, Y. Camilleri, M. Gauci, R. Muscat, M. Scerri, B. Kristensen, R. Scicluna, T. Vella, J. Bajada.
Referee: Nikolai Yordanov (Bulgaria FA).