Farrugia says team well-prepared for 'very important game'

Malta coach Ray Farrugia expects the EURO 2020 Group F qualifier against Faroe Islands to unfold into a hard-fought game between two teams that, in his own words, are, more or less, on a par. The encounter at the Trosvollur (kick-off 20.45) is shaping up as a direct clash between the two teams outside the qualification race with Malta having three points from seven matches and Faroe Islands still without points. “We know that this game is important for both teams,” Farrugia told the pre-match press conference. “To be honest, I think that the two teams are very similar and this adds to the importance of this match.” Faroe Islands are under pressure to open their account in Group F after seven consecutive defeats but Farrugia insisted that a positive result is also a priority for Malta. “I have great respect for the Faroe Islands coach Lars Olsen,” Farrugia said. “It’s not for me to comment on the situation of Faroe Islands but what we know for sure that if we get a positive result here, it would be fantastic for the national team and Maltese football. “As I said, it’s an important match for both teams, one that can go either way. Our first game against Faroe Islands, back in March, was very close but we played very well, despite being down to 10 men for most of the second half. "Now we're playing away and this will be a different challenge but I'm convinced that we're well-prepared for it.” Farrugia said that midfielder Rowen Muscat is recovering well from the knock he suffered against Sweden and is in line to start. Defender Steve Borg is also back in the frame after playing no part in the 4-0 defeat to Sweden but fellow Valletta centre-half Jonathan Caruana is doubtful. The news conference was also addressed by experienced Malta captain Michael Mifsud. “I agree with the coach that this is a very important game for both teams,” Mifsud said. “Both teams are of the same level. We are expecting a very tough game but we’re prepared for it. I hope it will be an exciting match.” On being mentioned by Faroe Islands coach Olsen as one of Malta’s main attacking threats, Mifsud said: “It’s always nice for me to hear this and these are the things that keep me going but this is not about me. The most important thing is the team.”