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Malta girls target improved showing in second qualifier

Published: 02-09-2019 21:05
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The Malta women’s team have their sights set on an improved performance and a better result when they face Bosnia & Herzegovina in their second UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 Group B qualifier in Sarajevo on Tuesday (kick-off 17.00). As was to be expected, the Maltese girls endured a difficult start, going down 8-0 to the strong Danish side in Viborg on Friday, while Bosnia obtained an emphatic 7-1 home win over Georgia. In the other Group B qualifier played last week, Italy edged Israel 3-2. Tuesday’s qualifier will be another difficult test for Malta but coach Mark Gatt is backing his players to learn from the Denmark game and produce a better showing against Bosnia. “This game will be another difficult task, especially after the match against Denmark,” Gatt told www.mfa.com.mt. “Nevertheless, the girls are gaining experience and are looking forward to this game. Hopefully they will rise to the occasion.” Gatt reiterated his faith in his players. “We have good players who put their mind and heart into the game,” Gatt said. “However, we cannot afford to make mistakes as, at this level, our opponents will take advantage and punish us.” Malta player Jade Flask is hoping the team’s intense preparations for these opening qualifiers pay off in the game against Bosnia. “We’ve worked really well with the coaches, both physically and tactically,” the 23-year-old said. “There is a very nice atmosphere in the squad. We know that we have to work collectively, as a team, to close down the Bosnian players. Everyone is ready for this match and I am confident that we can gain a positive result.” Having faced Bosnia & Herzegovina at Under-19 level, Flask knows that the Maltese girls are facing strong opponents but she believes that they can create attacks and also score in this game. The Malta-Bosnia & Herzegovina qualifier takes place at the Asim Ferhatović Hase Stadium.