Agius strikes upbeat note ahead of October qualifiers

The October qualifiers will see Malta take on Sweden at home this Saturday before travelling to the Faroe Islands ahead of Tuesday’s match at Torsvollur in Torshavn. The two EURO 2020 Group F assignments pose different challenges. Saturday’s qualifier at the National Stadium (20.45) pits Malta against Sweden, currently second in Group F and vying for qualification to EURO 2020, while Tuesday’s commitment is essentially a direct clash with the Faroe Islands. The latter are still looking for their first points heading into Matchday 7 while Malta have three points after beating the Faroe Islands 2-1 at home in March. Malta defender Andrei Agius summed up the team’s mindset going into a potentially defining week in this qualifying competition. “The second match (against Faroe Islands) represents, to a certain extent, the principal objective we set when the group draws were made but without doubt, we also need to prioritise the first game (against Sweden) as we believe that we can take something from every match,” Agius said. “This is a situation the coach is addressing. We are preparing for the two games like we always do.” In their last qualifier, Malta produced a vibrant performance in a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Romania. Agius hopes that Malta will build on the showing against Romania. “It has a positive effect because we have solid ground to continue on the last performance and try to build on it,” the Hibernians defender said. “It gives us faith. We will try to correct the mistakes, look forward and consolidate the good work.” HOME SUPPORTSaturday’s qualifier against Sweden, ranked 18th by FIFA, is expected to attract a large crowd, including many Swedish fans. Agius is banking on the support of the Maltese in what will surely be a difficult game against one of the strongest teams in Group F. “As I always say, the fans are an asset, especially when we play at home,” Agius said. “The more fans come to the stadium the better. We believe we can take something from every match especially at home, regardless of the opposition. We will do our utmost to obtain a positive result.”