Malta U-21 have already played three qualifiers in the group phase of the 2011 UEFA Championship.
Edwin Camilleri's team conceded three upsets but the margin of defeat in those matches was minimal and the performances of the team in general were encouraging.
Malta U-21 lost at home to Slovenia (0-2) and Belgium (0-1). In between, they produced a gutsy display in a 0-1 reverse to Ukraine in Borodinka.
However, the chances of breaking their duck in their next outing look slim for the Maltese as tonight they host group favourites France at the National Stadium.
After beating Slovenia 3-1 away, France, with Liverpool's David N'Gog and Jonathan Biabiany, of Parma, leading their attack, threw away a two-goal lead at home as Ukraine hit back for a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Today, the French team will want to get back on the winning track and show the partial setback in Gueugnon was only a blip in their progress for qualification.
At present, Belgium are top of the standings on six points, two ahead of France.
The leaders travel east today for a match against Ukraine in Kiev but one or two of their scouts could be assigned a spying mission at Ta' Qali this evening as Belgium host France in a top-of-the-table clash in Mouscron next Tuesday.
Camilleri's task was rendered even more difficult as he will have to do without suspended trio Mark Scerri, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Ben Camilleri.
The coach, who also lost a couple of regulars due to injuries, will probably decide in the very last minute on his starting formation to assess the team's fitness levels.
"This will be a difficult match for us," Camilleri told reporters earlier in the week.
"France are among the top teams at this level with an impressive array of talent spread in top leagues in Europe.
"We have some regular starters out but I still think we can give France a good run for their money. We've already shown that we can make up for the lack in quality with extra motivation and determination.
"This is the only way to go for us to keep up the progress and, perhaps, groom more players into the senior squad."
Current standings: Belgium (2-0-0) 6; Ukraine (1-1-0) 4; France (1-1-0) 4; Slovenia (1-0-2) 3; Malta (0-0-3) 0.
Playing today: 19.00 Ukraine vs Belgium; 20.50 Malta vs France.
Squad
Goalkeepers: H. Bonello (Vittoriosa), N. Vella (Valletta).
Defenders: A. Borg (Mosta), S. Borg (Valletta), R. Camilleri (Hibs), T. Farrugia (Msida), O. Bugeja (Floriana), G. Gribbon (Melita), D. Pisani (Floriana).
Midfielders: J. Mintoff (Sliema), K. Pulo (Birkirkara), G. Muscat (Vittoriosa), J. Zerafa (Birkirkara), R. Muscat (Birkirkara).
Forwards: J. Galea (Melita), W. Chircop (Tarxien), T. Vella (Pietà), D. Grima (Valletta).