MALTA TO HOST SWEDEN IN UNDER 21 MATCH

Malta will be facing Sweden at Ta’ Qali National Stadium on Wednesday 5th March (kick-off at 14.30) in a UEFA 2015 Under 21 Group 7 Qualifier, their seventh in this competition. It is certainly another David versus Goliath outing from our point of view.  Unfortunately, it has been anything but rosy for the Maltese in their previous group matches, with no points collected despite some performances which deserved better results. Ray Farrugia’s side is clearly passing through a transitional phase and a positive outcome against the northerners in an erstwhile arid series of previous matches will do plenty of good to our players’ morale. As usual, the coach will be seeking a satisfactory performance even if the upcoming clash presents a severe test, considering the strength of our opponents and their incentive to move up to second place on the ten-point mark. Farrugia will be relying on sound rearguard play and consequently a chance for our players to fan out on the break. The Swedes’ traditional physical qualities and tactical skills will stretch our resources to the limit but we should try as much as possible to eliminate a fearful complex. Apart from maximum concentration and valid collective play our team will need the support from the stands. Breaking our duck points-wise would be remarkably pleasing.    Malta's Provisional Squad for this match: Goalkeepers  BORG Jurgen                          Hibernians  FC   CALLEJA CREMONA MATTHEW  Pembroke Athleta FCCINI Yenz                               Valletta FC           Defenders                                ATTARD Cain   BORG Sacha                           Floriana FCCAMENZULI Ryan                   Birkirkara FCCUTAJAR Louis John              GAUCI Shaun                          Rabat Ajax FCGRECH Christian                     Pieta Hotspurs FCPISANI Jurgen                         Pieta Hotspurs FCTANTI Keith                             St. Georges FC                         Midfielders                                    BORG Clyde                         Floriana FC       FARRUGIA Brooke                  Floriana FC            KRISTENSEN Bjorn                 Hibernians FCMUSCAT Brandon                   Hibernians FC                          SCICLUNA Ryan                     Birkirkara FC       ZERAFA Daniel                       Birkirkara FC   Forwards  FARRUGIA Jean Paul             Hibernians FC MICALLEF Lydon                   Balzan FC   MICALLEF Ryan                      Rabat Ajax FCPISANI Stephen                       Floriana FC        Coach Ray Farrugia