Malta kick off their 2011 World Cup campaign this evening when they face Spain in a Group Five qualifier at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off 5 p.m.).

This will be a stiff test for the national ladies' team who can certainly take heart from their positive performances in a mini-tournament held here in June. Pierre Brincat's girls beat Latvia 4-0 and Luxembourg 1-0 and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of the more-quoted Bulgarian team.

Spain are ranked among the top nations on the continent and Brincat is aware that a tough task awaits his team this evening.

"Spain are a formidable force in women's football," the Malta coach said.

"They are among the top eight teams in the world and they are coming here determined to start their campaign with a convincing victory.

"That said, my players have been training very hard for the past eight weeks and we are ready to take on this challenge.

"When playing against a strong team like Spain, it's important that we use our possession effectively and keep our tactical shape throughout the whole match.

"I sincerely hope that the Maltese fans come to the Centenary Stadium to support our girls in this difficult encounter."

Brincat must make do without Birkirkara duo Kathleen Saliba (cartilage) and Catherine Camilleri (back) who are recovering from injuries. Colisa Vella (Sliema) Yanika Debono (Sta Venera) and Kim Parnis (Birkirkara) have been called to the national squad for the first time.

Apart from Spain, Group Five also contains England, the 2009 European Championship finalists, Austria and Turkey.

Malta made its maiden appearance in a women's World Cup qualification tournament in 2006.

Malta's starting formation: S. Costantino, R. Chircop, C. Fenech, N. Pace, M. Azzopardi, R. Cuschieri, Y. Carabott, D. Theuma, M. Debono, R. D'Agostino, E. Xuereb.

Referee: Silvia Tea Spinelli (Italy).