Malta U-21 face a major test this evening before their final European Championship qualifier when they take on Wales at the National Stadium.
This warm-up will be Malta’s last tune-up before the team bring the curtains down on their Group 8 campaign with a tough away match against France on September 7.
Given the formidable test awaiting them in Amiens next month, the Malta FA did well to provide coach Edwin Camilleri with equally strong opponents this evening in the shape of a Welsh team on the brink of sealing their place in the UEFA Championship finals ahead of seasoned campaigners Italy.
Wales are currently leading Group 3 with 13 points from six matches, three points clear of the Italians. Their remaining matches are away at Hungary and home to Italy.
Malta are currently bottom of Group 8 with no points from seven matches. Their last competitive outing was a 3-0 home defeat to Ukraine at the National Stadium in May.
“The friendly against Wales is an ideal barometer to gauge our preparations for the match against France next month,” Camilleri said.
“Wales are a physical side who have done pretty well in recent years. They boast players at the top level in England and Scotland. But, as always, our objective will be to try and play our game and get a positive result.
“We will approach the match with tranquility and although we know that we have a difficult task on our hands, I’m confident we can achieve something from this friendly that would lift our morale ahead of our trip to France.”
The Malta coach finalised his 18-man squad on Sunday. He is hampered by the absence of Rowen Muscat, Julian Galea and Sergio Hili, all injured.
On a more positive note, Camilleri was boosted by the late additions of John Mintoff and Joseph Zerafa who had initially been selected by national coach John Buttigieg for the friendly against Macedonia tomorrow. They failed to make the cut and subsequently joined the U-21 group.
“The main objective of this group of players is that come the end of their cycle with the U-21 squad, they will have developed sufficiently to be selected for the senior team,” Camilleri said.
“So far, we have the likes of John Mintoff, Ryan Camilleri and Joseph Zerafa who have already practised with the senior team. We believe there are others who can make the grade. The most satisfying aspect of all this is that the players are eager to improve and work very hard in training.
“The Wales match will be an ideal occasion for them to show their credentials. So, it’s up to them to show their worth.”
The referee today will be Alan Mario Sant. Entrance is free. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello, Nicholas Vella.
Defenders: Steve Bonnici, Steve Borg, Owen Bugeja, Ryan Camilleri, Tyron Farrugia, Beppe Muscat, Duncan Pisani, Clive Spiteri, Joseph Zerafa.
Midfielders: Richard Chetcuti, John Mintoff, Nigel Rizzo, Mark Scerri.
Forwards: Miguel Ciantar, Mauro Grioli, Terence Vella.