September 2007
Sun 30
- Premier League Mqabba vs Sliema W. 3-2, Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 1-1
- Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Birzebbuga SP 0-1, St. Andrews vs Melita 0-1
- Third Division Section A Siggiewi vs Mdina K. 0-4
- Third Division Section B Gzira U. vs Luqa SA 3-3
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Nadur Y. 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs St. Lawrence S. 2-2
- Malta won an international futsal tournament which was held at the Corradino Pavillion during the weekend.
The national team, led by head coach Michal Striz, defeated PU Misterbianco 5-2 on Friday and local champions Jeepers FC 10-2 on Saturday. Ficarazzi 2000 had also won the other two matches against Jeepers FC 3-2 and PU Misterbianco 5-1. The final clash between Malta and Ficarazzi therefore had to decide the winner.
Needing only a draw to win the tournament on goal-difference, Michal Stritz's side found it hard to penetrate the Sicilians' rear-guard in a goal-less first half. Things got worse when Roberto Lazzaro put Ficarazzi in front soon after the resumption.
A two-goal burst within a couple of minutes from Tyron Borg put the Maltese ahead and well in command of the game.
Lazzaro's second goal three minutes from time was not enough to deny the honours for the enthusiastic Maltese side.
MFA Vice-President and Chairman of the Futsal Committee, Ludovigo Micallef presented the coveted trophy to the Malta's skipper Nicky Bilocca.
The Maltese squad was composed of Bjorn Vassallo, Nicholas Bilocca, Jeanbert Gatt, Tyron Borg, Noel Bray, Robert Magro, John Cutajar, Mark Ellul Sullivan, Paul Bugeja, Timothy Ellis, Nebojsa Mijalovic, Roderick Caruana, Jonathan Sammut and Benny Gialanze. Coach: Michael Striz. Assistant Coach: Mark Marlow. Kit Manager: Jonathan Pisani. Masseur: Donald Spiteri.
Meanwhile Jeepers FC placed third in the tournament following a 9-4 win over PU Misterbianco on Sunday.
Sat 29
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs Balzan Y. 2-2, Zurrieq vs Rabat A. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Ghajnsielem 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Munxar F. 3-2
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud was once again on target as Coventry City came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Charlton at the Ricoh Arena.
The Sky Blues were trailing 0-1 but Mifsud notched the equaliser six minutes from time. A draw which puts them in joint-seventh place, five points behind leaders Watford.
On Wednesday, Michael Mifsud scored twice for Coventry City as they sprung a major surprise by sending Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.
In the fourth round, Coventry were awarded with a home tie against another Premier side - West Ham. The Carling Cup fourth-round draw matches will be played during the week commencing Monday 29 October.
Fri 28
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Qrendi 0-2
- Third Division Section B Gharghur vs Pembroke A. 1-1
- First Division side St. George's presented their new signings during a press conference which was held at the club premises on Friday.
Club president Chris Agius said that after just one season in the Premier League is back in Division 1. He reviewed last season as a year in which the team, on his return to the Premier League after a long absence, managed to obtain very positive results such as the draw with champions Marsaxlokk and the win over FA Trophy winners Hibernians, the first win over Hibs in over 30 years. However such results were not enough for St. George's to retain their Premier League status mainly due to the fact that a number of players failed to perform in the Relegation Pool as they did in the first phase.
Agius said that thanks to the fine performance of some players last season, three club products attracted the interest of Premier League clubs and they were transferred on loan for one season as part of the club's policy not to stop such players from getting the chance of playing top division football. Other players left the club as they were on loan for just one season.
To strengthen the team for the coming season, St. George's appointed former Hibernians assistant coach Michael Woods as their new coach. Together with Woods, the club started working on strengthening the squad and secured the services of James Mercieca, Martin Camilleri, Clayton Caruana, Luka Desira Buttigieg, Samuel Cassar, Luke Agius, Keith Xuereb, Brandon Borg, Jesmond Delia, Adrian Marmara, Glenn Tanti and Nigerian striker Peter Anizoba.
Agius thanked the club's main sponsors, namely EuroSport who will be the club's technical sponsor for another season. Emanuele Peresso has been providing the kits for St. George's for the past five years, when the Saints were still playing in Division 3. The other main sponsors are BellMed IT. The company first sponsored the club last season and as a sign of recognition, Messrs E. Bonnici and I. Curtis were appointed as honorary presidents in the last Annual General Meeting.
New coach Michael Woods said that the team has been training for the past six weeks and that the club could reach its target of winning promotion with discipline and commitment.
Chris Agius concluded that the main objective for next season is that of winning promotion but above all, the club is hoping to strengthen the squad with the aim of celebrating the 120th anniversary of the club in three years' time by establishing themselves in the Premier League.
- Valletta midfielder Claude Mattocks was handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in the Citizens' 3-1 win over Mqabba.
Mattocks is therefore ruled out of the game against his former club Sliema Wanderers on Thursday.
Other players to be suspended include San Gwann goalkeeper Justin Spiteri in Division 2 and Thomas Sullivan of St. Andrews in the Youth League.
Thu 27
- Premier League Pietŕ H. vs Birkirkara 2-1, Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 3-2
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Kercem A. 1-1
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs SK Victoria W. 2-0
- Malta national futsal team head coach Michal Stríž and his assistant Mark Marlow named a fourteen-man squad for the International Futsal Tournament which will be held at the Corradino Sports Pavilion between Friday 28th September and Sunday 30th September 2007.
Taking part besides Malta are Maltese champions Jeepers and Italians sides Ficarazzi 2000 and PU Misterbianco. Malta faces Misterbianco in the first game on Friday, Jeepers on Saturday and Ficarazzi on Sunday.
The players are: goalkeepers Bjorn Vassallo (Swing Kids), Benny Gialanze (El Mundos);
Nicholas Bilocca (Swing Kids), Tyron Borg (Zurrieq FC), Noel Bray (Southenders), Roderick Caruana (Zurrieq FC), John Cutajar (Net Stars), Mark Sullivan (Amazon), Robert Magro (Net Stars), Nebojsa Mijailovic (European Pilot Academy), Jeanbert Gatt (Scandals Bar), Paul Bugeja (Kerygma), Timothy Ellis (Southenders), Jonathan Sammut (Powerade).
- The Birkirkara Supporters Club are going to organize a rally for all Birkirkara supporters in their premises on Friday 28th September at 20:00.
Players and the members of the Birkirkara FC board of directors will be attending as well.
Wed 26
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Hamrun S. 0-1, Valletta vs Mqabba 3-1
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Zebbug R. 4-1
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored twice for Coventry City as they sprung a major surprise by sending Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.
Backed by 11,000 fans, Coventry took the lead after 27 minutes with a goal by Michael Mifsud off a cross by Michael Doyle.
A couple of minutes later, Mifsud back-flicked the ball off a cross by Robbie Simpson but the ball hit the upright with United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak totally beaten.
Twenty minutes from time, Mifsud sealed the issue, firing high into the net when served by Jay Tabb.
Mifsud could have even notched a hat-trick late in the game when Kuszczak pushed the ball into his path, but the former Sliema, Kaisersalutern and Lillestrom striker somehow failed to find the target.
- The BOV First Division League which was due to kick-off on October 6 was delayed by a few days and is now set to kick-off on Tuesday 9.
The first ten matches which were due to be played at the Victor Tedesco have been transferred to the Centenary Stadium and will be played during the week and not during the weekends as originally planned.
The league kicks-off on Tuesday 9 with newly-promoted Mellieha taking on Marsa, who were relegated from the Premier League and Mosta facing Second Division champions Dingli Swallows.
On Wednesday 10, Tarxien Rainbows meet Senglea Athletic while St. George's take on St. Patrick.
More matches will be played on Monday 15, Tuesday 16 and Tuesday 23 with the rest of the schedule as from October 26 continuing as originally scheduled.
- Hungarian national team captain Zoltan Gera will not miss the EURO 2008 Group C qualifier in programme on October 13 between Hungary and Malta after the UEFA disciplinary committee decided not to suspend him despite being sent off in the last game against Turkey.
Gera was sent off for diving in the penalty area by referee Stuart Douglas during the team’s last qualifier against Turkey on Wednesday September 19. TV replays subsequently showed that Gera had been clearly fouled by the Turkish goalkeeper, which should have resulted in a penalty kick to Hungary.
This means that UEFA is admitting that the referee committed an error.
- The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner suspended a number of players in Division 3 and the Youth League.
In Division 3, Patrick Muscat (Fgura), Kevin Tonna (Zejtun), Jesmond Azzopardi (Xghajra), Daniel Haber (Attard) and Edmond Thornton (Gudja) were suspended for one match while Nazzareno Abela (Zebbug) was suspended for two matches.
Daniel Zammit (Zurrieq) and Sebastian Saliba (Sta. Venera) were handed a one-match ban in the Youth League.
Tue 25
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Hibernians 2-1
- As from Monday October first and every Monday on One TV at 21:15, sports discussion returns during L-Argument.
This is the ninth edition of the Monday night sports show, that originated way back in 1999, thus making the programme the most aired live sports programme on Maltese Television.
The mission statement of L-Argument is to discuss what the sporting enthusiast in the streets likes to see and hear and that is what made this show the most popular one with increasing audiences according to Broadcasting Authority Surveys. L-Argument is more over interactive to the full and this makes televiewers part of the discussion through e-mails, short message services and via telephone with distinguished guests in studio answering spontaneously.
As in the last eight editions, the production team is working on every detail to make this year's show the best possible. As from this year local Premier League football is again part and parcel of the discussion including goals, interviews and other controversial footage that emerges from the weekend's matches. There will be footage from other local divisions including Gozo First Division goals.
The return of the local football scene does not mean that the foreign football part is being omitted. This year we are even more consolidating the international discussion with footage from UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and the most important domestic leagues, the Italian Serie A and the English Premiership in collaboration with Melita Group.
During this ninth edition L-Argument will air a series of features breaking the many times hot discussions. A very popular feature, is that from the past will once again be on the programme's agenda although having slight changes which will definitely be nostalgic to those who lived those years thus creating curiosity to the younger viewers. L-Argument will also feature nurseries which play a vital part in every player formation. The feature will highlight the work Maltese and Gozitan nurseries are preparing amongst youngsters. Obviously the man in the street will share his opinion through vox pops in bars and pubs of our sponsors.
With the return of the Premier League, we will once again have the One Sport Player of the Month award. A jury made up of four sports journalist, present for the Premier League games will vote for the best player who will then be classified for the month and the yearly awards. Awards will be presented in one of our sponsor's establishment. This year, the One Sports Player of the Month award will be sponsored by Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel.
The second edition of L-Argument Supporters Cup will resume in November. Following last year's victory of Juventus Club Vero Amore, the competition will have a slight change in style thus making it easy for all the clubs to participate. There will be a great innovation. As from this year's edition, supporters club of local teams will have the possibility to participate.
A new item in the show will be a sports quiz. Every week a group of maximum four persons, will answer a series of questions on their favourite team in five minutes. The best eight groups will qualify for the final stages in March.
Other various surprises in this ninth edition include prizes for those who take an active part in this year's L-Argument as from October the first.
L-Argument is presented and produced by Mark Cutajar together with Clinton Buhagiar, Davina Sammut Hili and Alex Camilleri, with ex veteran coach Pawlu Farrugia as residential guest. L-Argument is directed by Jason Busuttil.
For further information contact One Sport on 25682840/1 or through e-mail address sports@one.com.mt.
Mon 24
- The women's national team will be taking part in a number of series of tournaments which is being organised by UEFA, for the fifteen teams which were eliminated from the UEFA Women's European Championship, as part of the European football governing body's policy of assisting the developing nations in the gap before their next competitive games in 2009.
Between October 29 and November 2, Malta joins Bosnia-Herzegovina and Luxembourg in a tournament at the Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo in one of four-mini-tournaments. Other tournaments are being held in FYR Macedonia, Lithuania and Turkey.
Another four mini-tournaments will be held in the spring or summer of next year, with Lithuania, Malta and Croatia playing in Estonia. The other two mini-tournaments will be played in Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Azerbaijan.
The last two mini-tournament rounds will take place in the autumn and spring of the 2008/09 season. These games are a development tool and results will not count towards coefficients for future draws, the next of which will be for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying.
Meanwhile season 2007/08 for women's football kicks-off on Wednesday October 3 with the Women's Super Cup final between champions and Knock-Out winners Birkirkara and league runners-up Hibernians.
The Women's League kicks-off on October 9 with the first two matches. All matches will be played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 18:30 and 20:30 at the Luxol Stadium.
Taking part are Birkirkara, Hibernians, Lija-Iklin, Melita, Mgarr United, Mosta, Pembroke Athleta, Sliema Raiders and Sta. Venera Yellow-Blues.
After the 16th October, the league takes a one-month break due to national team commitments. The first round comes to an end on January 22.
- Two Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during last weekend's matches.
Floriana defender Darko Krsteski and Hamrun Spartans midfielder Ryan Fenech are now ruled out of the games against Marsaxlokk and Msida St. Joseph respectively.
Sun 23
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 2-0
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Mgarr U. 2-0, San Gwann vs Sirens 1-1
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Zebbug R. 1-3, Mtarfa vs Attard 0-1
- Third Division Section B Gozo vs Gudja U. 4-0
- Gozo - Second Division Munxar F. vs Oratory Y. 0-0
- Malta international striker Andre Schembri scored twice in Eintracht Braunshweig's 5-0 win over FC Energie Cottbus II.
These were the first goals for the former Hibernians and Marsaxlokk striker.
So far, Schembri played five league matches for Eintracht Braunshweig who are currently second from bottom in the Regionalliga Nord.
Meanwhile, after missing a couple of matches due to an injury, Michael Mifsud returned for Coventry on Saturday when he was included as a substitute in the 4-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in the Championship.
Luke Dimech was in action for Macclesfield in League Two in the 1-1 draw with Rochdale.
In Greece, Haidari FC - the club for which Malta international goalkeeper Justin Haber plays, lost 3-2 to Panthrakikos Komotini in the first match from the Second Division.
Sat 22
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Pietŕ H. 2-3, Msida SJ vs Valletta 0-1
- Third Division Section A Xghajra T. vs Siggiewi 3-3
- Third Division Section B Kalkara vs Kirkop U. 0-0
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Xewkija T. 1-1
Fri 21
- Premier League Hibernians vs Mqabba 2-0, Floriana vs Sliema W. 2-2
- Second Division Melita vs Sta. Venera L. 4-1, Lija A. vs St. Andrews 1-0
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Zejtun C. 4-0
- Third Division Section B Luqa SA vs Sta. Lucia 1-5
- Gozo - Independence Cup Final Qala SJ vs Nadur Y. 1-1 aet (3-1 pen)
- The Malta Football Association announced that the kick-off time for the BOV Premier League match in programme on Tuesday 25th September between Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians has been changed from 19:00 to 19:30.
- The next EURO 2008 international fixture for the Malta National Football Team is scheduled for Saturday 13 th October when Dusan Fitzel's squad will travel away to Budapest for the game Hungary v Malta. Last October the Malta National Team managed a prestigious win on home soil when our side won 2-1 at the National Stadium. Undoubtedly, this forthcoming away fixture is rising expectations amongst local football fans moreover after the recent impressive draw against Turkey.
A tour will be organised by EC Travel in collaboration with Events Services for local supporters who are willing to travel abroad for this away fixture. The tour will be held between Thursday 11th and Sunday 14th October. The price for a single adult is Lm 215 which includes flights, all taxes, transfers, accommodation in 3 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis, match ticket and the services of two experienced tour leaders. Those who book by the 29 th September will also be given a free polo shirt to be worn during the game. The tour includes also excursions around Budapest and another excursion for the training session of the Malta National Team on the eve of the match.
For bookings, contact Mr. Jesmond Abela on 9945 3769 or by booking directly at EC Travel Services Ltd, Nazju Ellul Street, Gzira. Tel: 21 31 00 12 / 3
Thu 20
- Floriana midfielder Mauro Brincat was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in the 3-1 win over Mqabba last week. He will therefore miss the next game against Sliema Wanderers on Friday.
Darren Caruana (Gzira), Mark Said (Luqa), Jonathan Briscoe White (St. Andrews), Jonathan Grech (Naxxar), Paolo Ciantar (Rabat) and Neil Francalanza (Zebbug) were suspneded for one game in the Second & Third Division Knock-Out. However all players, except for Ciantar, will be serving the ban in league matches as their team was eliminated from the competition.
In the Youth League, Jurgen Cassar (St. George's) was suspended for four matches while Josef Dalli and Jurgen Joseph Gatt, also of St. George's) were suspended for two matches. Johann Zammit (Qormi), Justin Cutajar (Vittoriosa), Alexander Barbara and Davide Mula (Zurrieq) were banned for one match.
- An international futsal friendly tournament, organised by the MFA, will be held at the Corradino Sports Pavilion between Friday 28th September and Sunday 30th September 2007.
There will be four participating teams, with the Maltese champions Jeepers and Malta joined by the Italians sides Ficarazzi and Misterbianco.
This competition is intended to give our teams, including the national team, more exposure to the international scene and thus earn our players much needed match practice at this level.
The programme of matches is as follows:
Friday 28 September
18.00 Jeepers FC vs Ficarazzi 2000
20.00 Malta vs PU Misterbianco
Saturday 29 September
16.00 Ficarazzi 2000 vs PU Misterbianco
18.00 Malta vs Jeepers FC
Sunday 30 September
11.00 Jeepers FC vs PU Misterbianco
13.00 Malta vs Ficarazzi 2000
Wed 19
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gharghur vs Zurrieq 1-2, Pembroke A. vs Sirens 2-2
- Futsal competitions for season 2007/08 will kick-off on October 15 with the first two matches from the First Division League.
As from this season, a new format will be adopted. In the first phase, the thirteen teams will be playing on a one-round league basis.
The second phase will consist of the Championship Play-Offs and the Relegation-Promotion Play-Offs.
The top six teams will take part in the Championship Play-Offs. The teams placing third to sixth will be facing each other in two quarter-finals based on two legs. The two winners will move on to the semi-finals which will also be played on two legs. The final of the Championship Play-Offs will be played on one match.
The teams placing eighth to eleventh in the First Division together with the teams placing second in the Second Division Section A and Section B will take part in the Relegation-Promotion Play-Offs. Teams will be divided in two groups of three teams, played on a one-round league basis. The group winners will stay in the First Division next season. The other four teams will be relegated to the Second Division for season 2008/09.
Meanwhile the teams placing twelfth and thirteenth in the First Division will be relegated automatically to the Second Division.
In season 2008/09, eleven teams will therefore be taking part in Division 1.
The Second Division League will be based once again on two sections, both being played on a two-round league basis.
The winner of each section will be promoted while the runners-up in each section will take part in the First Division Relegation-Promotion Play-Offs.
The teams placing sixth and seventh in each section will be relegated to the Third Division.
Meanwhile eighteen teams will be playing in the Third Division. The teams will be divided into three sections of six teams each.
Thirty-two teams will be playing in the Fourth Division. The teams will be divided into four sections of eight teams each.
Fixtures for Third and Fourth Division League matches are yet to be announced.
As from this season, there will be two Futsal Knock-Outs, one reserved for the First and Second Division teams and the other for the Third and Fourth Division teams.
- The 2-2 draw with Turkey in the EURO 2008 qualifiers was not enough to prevent Malta from falling nine places in the Coca-Cola/FIFA World Ranking list which was published on Wednesday. Malta is now 124th.
Over the past month, Malta played three matches. On August 22, Malta played a friendly match in Tirana against Albania, losing 0-3. The national team held Turkey in a 2-2 draw on September 8 and four days later, Malta lost 0-1 to Armenia in a friendly match at Ta' Qali.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 46th. Just ahead of Malta are Armenia (87, down 6), Latvia (94, up 16), Georgia (104, down 1), Azerbaijan (115, down 8) and Kazakhstan (120, down 5). Behind Malta are Estonia (127, down 2), Liechtenstein (142, down 9), Andorra (169, down 8), Luxembourg (176, down 2), Montenegro (186, up 13), Faroe Islands (193, down 3) and San Marino (196, down 1).
- The Malta Football Association and its President, Dr, Joe Mifsud, appeal to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help praise and promote the spirit of fair play on FIFA World Fair Play Day.
FIFA is holding the eleventh World Fair Play over the period of 21 to 23 September. These dates have been chosen to link this year’s events to another special celebration; the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September), an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.
The football family therefore wishes to commemorate the International Day of Peace by using the wonderful game and – most notably - its annual Fair Play celebration. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
“Fair Play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it,” declared Dr. Joe Mifsud. “We need to cherish and nurture the value of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We need appealing to all football fans in Malta to help us celebrate FIFA Fair Play Day and the International Day of Peace successfully.”
President Blatter recognises the fundamental role of Fair play in sport and the need to apply it to all sporting activities, including children activities. “Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, making them realize how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented. “FIFA Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting Fair Play on the pitch during a competition, FIFA is committed to encouraging Fair Play in society too, beginning with our future – with children,” he said.
“The most common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding special ceremony,” the FIFA President added. “FIFA would like to encourage its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment for the realization.”
This is the eleventh FIFA Fair Play Day to be celebrated since its introduction in 1997 and the fourth time that it will be linked to the International Day of Peace. In previous years, activities have been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grass roots to top flight football and in many community-based projects.
The Malta Football Association will be commemorating the 2007 FIFA Fair Play Day by ceremonies prior to the commencement of all competitive matches played on Friday 21st,Saturday 22nd and Sunday, 23rd September at the National Stadium, the Centenary Stadium and the Luxol Ground.
Tue 18
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Attard vs Gudja U. 1-1, Birzebbuga SP vs Rabat A. 1-1
- The Malta national futsal team will be facing Slovenia, Greece and Albania in Group 7 of the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers. The mini-tournament will be played in Malta in February.
This will be the second adventure for the team led by Michael Striz in international competitions after taking part in the UEFA Futsal Championship in January. Malta had lost 7-1 to Cyprus, 13-0 to Kazakhstan and 5-2 to Georgia in a mini-tournament which was held at the Corradino Pavilion.
Thirty-eight European countries took part in the draw from which five teams will eventually make it to the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Teams were drawn into eight groups of four teams and two groups of three. The group winners will enter the draw for five home-and-away play-offs.
World champions Spain have been handed games against Croatia and Georgia as they begin their bid for a third straight FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Having taken the title in Guatemala in 2000 and defended it four years later in Chinese Taipei, Spain will aim to complete a hat-trick in Brazil next autumn.
In other groups, 2004 runners-up Italy will host Andorra, Cyprus and Kazakhstan in Group 8, while their fellow former European champions Russia - who did not qualify for the last World Cup - are up against Serbia and France in Group 1. Of the other teams to compete in Chinese Taipei, Portugal play Slovakia, Latvia and Turkey, Ukraine face newcomers Moldova, Israel and Bulgaria and the Czech Republic take on Azerbaijan, Finland and Armenia.
Mon 17
- Premier League Valletta vs Hibernians 1-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Siggiewi vs Zejtun C. 2-1, Qrendi vs Sta. Venera L. 0-0
- Two mini five-a-side tournaments were organised on the 10th September for Under-13 and Under-16 Girls at the recently resurfaced pitch at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali.
These tournaments, which serve as a platform for launching new faces, were again organised by national women's team coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Alfred Zammit, under the auspices of the MFA.
Members of the MFA Women's Committee, helped by some women's national team players, acted as referees.
In the Under 13 category the competition was very balanced, with the improving Mgarr managing to pull away from the established teams of Hibernians and Birkirkara to win the tournament. The last-mentioned teams finished second and third respectively, followed by the promising Pembroke who succeeded in holding Birkirkara to a draw.
Mosta kept a clean score sheet when pipping Mgarr by one point in the Under 16 category. Birkirkara and Hibernians came next, with the spirited Marsa and newcomers Tarxien propping up the table.
MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef, Chairman of the Women's Football Committee, presented medals to all participants while thanking them and auguring a bright future for all the girls taking up the game.
- A UEFA Mini-Pitch was inaugurated on Sunday at Gnien il-Haddiem, Dingli during an activity marking Jum Had-Dingli. This mini-pitch was the eleventh to be inaugurated out of a total of 35 mini-pitches which were provided by the Malta Football Association and funded by UEFA as part of its Jubilee anniversary.
The activity was organised by the Dingli Swallows F.C. Youth Nursery together with the Dingli Local Council. Following speeches by Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery president Kevin Asciak, Dingli mayor Ian Borg and MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud, Dr Mifsud unveiled a commemorative plaque which was blessed by Mgr. Louis Camilleri.
This project, partly financed by Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery, would not have been possible without the support of committee of Dingli Swallows FC.
Following an inauguration of the mini-pitch, Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery organised friendly matches for children aged 6 to 14.
The Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery thanks Dingli Swallows FC, the Dingli Local Council and all those who support the nursery in its work for the benefit of the youths in Dingli.
- The Malta FA is organising a course for Trainee Referees commencing on 25th September 2007.
Persons aged between 16 and 35 who wish to attend the course are requested to contact the Head, Refereeing Department, MFA Offices, Millennium Stand, Floor 2, Ta' Qali National Stadium.
E-mail tom.restall@mfa.com.mt
For further details phone 21222697 or 21232581.
Sun 16
- Premier League Pietŕ H. vs Msida SJ 0-1, Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun S. 0-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gzira U. vs Fgura U. 0-1, Mgarr U. vs Naxxar L. 1-0, Zebbug R. vs Santa Lucia 1-1, Lija A. vs Ghaxaq 0-3
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Sannat L. 1-0, Nadur Y. vs Qala SJ 3-0
- The Malta national team and Futsal champions Jeepers FC will be taking part in an international tournament which will be held at the Corradino Pavilion between September 28 and 30.
Also taking part in the tournament are two Italian teams - Ficarazzi 2000 and PU Misterbianco.
The tournament will serve as preparation for the national team in view of the Futsal World Cup qualifiers which will be played early next year. For Jeepers, it would be a good warm-up ahead of the Futsal First Division League which kicks-off in a few weeks' time.
The official programme is:
Friday 28 September
18.00 Jeepers FC vs Ficarazzi 2000
20.00 Malta vs PU Misterbianco
Saturday 29 September
16.00 Ficarazzi 2000 vs PU Misterbianco
18.00 Malta vs Jeepers FC
Sunday 30 September
11.00 Jeepers FC vs PU Misterbianco
13.00 Malta vs Ficarazzi 2000
Sat 15
- Premier League Mqabba vs Floriana 1-3, Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 0-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Luqa SA vs Mdina K. 0-3, Melita vs St. Andrews 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 0-1, Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-0
Fri 14
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mtarfa vs Kirkop U. 1-1, Balzan Y. vs San Gwann 0-0
- Newly-acquired Floriana defender Darko Krsteski had the best start to his football career in Malta by landing the first BOV Player of the Month Award for the 2007-2008 season of the BOV Premier League.
The BOV Player of the Month award for the month of August 2007 was presented to the winning player by Mario Cilia, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Floriana Branch in the presence of Louis Micallef from the Malta Football Association.
This is the third season in a row where the BOV Player of the Month Award is being presented. As in previous years, each month a charitable institution chosen by the player will benefit from a donation granted by Bank of Valletta. Mr Krsteski chose Dar tal-Providenza as the charitable institution that will benefit from this donation.
Darko Krsteski’s sound displays in the heart of Floriana’s defence, together with perfectly-timed passes and pinpoint free-kicks that his team mates turned into goals, contributed immensely to Floriana’s excellent start to the season. This player’s knowledge of the game and his stature will certainly be very valuable for the Greens, whose resurgence will hopefully usher a new era for one of the most successful clubs in Malta.
- FIFA Referee Chris Lautier has been appointed by UEFA to control matches in the Under 17 Group 3 Mini-Tournament in Scotland from the 18th to the 25th September.
The participating teams are Scotland, Belarus, Liechtenstein and Slovakia.
Mariano Debono has been appointed to act as Assistant Referee in the Tournament.
- Last Saturday was an amazing experience; one we will surely cherish all our lives. We are sure that all those at Ta` Qali had the time of their lives and will definitely turn up in their numbers against Norway and especially Moldova now that they have reached us in the points tally. South End Core‘s main target was organised support with a difference. Our Maltese mentality is to support when our team is only on the winning side but we made it a point that we will try and nullify our opponent’s chants even when they in turn scored against us and to some extent this we did.
Our whole heartfelt thanks go to our Knights and Grandmaster Fitzel who gave their all! South End Core would also like to show words of appreciation towards all those who contributed being sponsors, helpers and especially the fans who lost their voice chanting. With their backing this will not stop here and we foresee a continuous improvement in our collective support as well. Each and every person supporting contributed towards the result, which with some more luck could have been a win.
We had all sorts of feedback and one which was recurring was how people really enjoyed themselves supporting their country with their heart and soul even though the south stand is not the ideal place to watch a match. Some other comments were made regarding the choruses, where we tried to vary as much as possible. Whilst some still have to be learnt by the supporters, these can now be downloaded from www.southendcore.com which has been recently set up and is still work in progress.
Special thanks go to a lot of MFA people especially Ivan Vella and Victor Mifsud who put in a lot of effort in their work.
Various entities helped in supporting this initiative, mainly Teamsport, Melita Cable, Carlsberg, Ryan's Irish Pub, Rookies, WKD, Zmerc Pub, MUSC, Kavallieri Rugby team, San Antonio Fitness Club, Extra Time, KSU and members of Birkirkara Ultras, Paola Boys Hibs Ultras and the Valletta White Warriors. Thanks to their support the day was a success from start to finish and we are inviting more companies to help contribute for the matches to come! Every little thing helps.
In less than a month Malta will be playing against Hungary away and we have started talks to go there for a day to support the team. Unfortunately we will have Jamie Pace missing through suspension but Hungary will also be without their best player Zoltan Gera after being red carded against Turkey. Four days after we will clash at home against Moldova, the team trailing behind us who will surely try and turn around the disappointing draw we managed on their home soil. They will need to win at all costs, so as to avoid bottom of the table, and under pressure we believe our players will work harder for a positive result. We believe in our players and strongly believe that we can achieve more positive results in the matches to come, both home and away. Come on you South End Core Fans - Viva Malta!
- The Malta Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce that an agreement was signed together with Melita Football Nursery for the use of the new facilities in Pembroke.
The Malta Rugby Football Union have embarked on a long term project to significantly increase the number of playing numbers, both at senior and junior levels. The project involves the introduction of rugby into schools, both at primary and secondary levels. The sprouting up of new artificial turf pitches at a number of public and private schools has made it more realistic to introduce the game to Maltese youngsters.
An equally important component of the plan involves the partnerships with the local football community. This trend is very similar to what is taking place in a number of European countries, whereby football and rugby complement each other for the benefit of the local community. Instead of competing with each other, it is apparent that there are a number of synergies between the two sports that should be exploited.
This is the intention of the Malta Rugby Football Union. The agreement signed with the Melita Football Nursery is one step in this plan, which includes other initiatives that are taking place with other local football clubs. The Malta Rugby Football Union urges all interested local football clubs to contact the Union in order to discuss possible means of collaboration.
Thu 13
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sirens vs Xghajra T. 0-0, Siggiewi vs Zurrieq 2-4
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Victoria H. 1-4
- Mr Stefano Bonaccorso, Head coach at the Youth Sector of Serie A football club, Atalanta B.C., will be the special guest at the official opening of Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery Season 2007/8 which will be held on Friday 14th September 2007 at St. Theresa Junior Lyceum (opposite Infetti Grounds) at 1930 hours.
During this event, all coaches at the club for the upcoming season will be presented to the media whilst the calendar of events will be officially launched; this season being the 25th anniversary from the foundation of the nursery itself.
On this special occasion and for the second consecutive time, Mr Bonaccorso has accepted the invitation to come over to Malta not only to discuss with the nursery officials regarding future projects, but also to meet children and parents who form part of this one large family.
In fact, during his three day visit, Mr Bonaccorso will be present at mostly all sports activities organized during this specific period. On Saturday, he will be monitoring the Under 16 Birkirkara squad during a tournament held at the Gozo Stadium and meeting GYFA officials, whilst on Sunday, he will be attentively watching the Under 14 boys playing their first official league match of the season at the Luxol Grounds.
Not only observing, but Mr Bonaccorso will be also working on the field at the Infetti Grounds with a group of children from the Nursery during the morning hours of Sunday, precisely at 0930 hours whilst later in the afternoon, he will holding a talk with the theme: “Football preparation and training in the youth sector” - were he will be giving an overview of his work and experiences in coaching during the number of years at professional level.
All those interested in attending these activities together with members of the Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery coaching staff, are to contact Mr Franco Agius on 79438515 and register their names. Limited places are available and admission is free.
- Gudja United FC were presented with new kits by the club's technical sponsor EuroSport during a presentation which was held at the club's premises.
Eurosport has been the club’s technical sponsor for the last three years.
Eurosport are providing Legea and Max Sport technical apparel together with Adidas accessories.
Present for the presentation were players Reno Debono, Glenn Zammit, Jonathan Zahra and the club’s new coach, Warren Muscat.
Wed 12
- International Friendly Malta vs Armenia 0-1
- UEFA Under-21 Malta vs France 0-2
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Xaghra U. 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out SK Victoria W. vs Zebbug R. 5-1
- The Malta Football Association announced that the Youth League matches Pembroke Athleta vs Dingli Swallows and Balzan Youths vs Rabat Ajax will be played at the Dingli Ground on Saturday 15th September at 14:30 and 16:30 respectively and not on Sunday 16th.
On the other hand, the Youth League matches Msida St. Joseph vs Tarxien Rainbows and St. Andrews vs Melita will be played at the Dingli Ground on Sunday 23rd September at 09:00 and 11:00 respectively.
Tue 11
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sta. Venera L. vs Kalkara 9-0, Zejtun C. vs Gharghur 0-2
- National coach Dusan Fitzel will be taking the opportunity to try new options ahead of next month's EURO 2008 qualifiers against Hungary and Moldova as Malta takes on Armenia in a friendly match at the National Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off at 20:15. Meanwhile sad news hit the Armenian contingent as national coach Ian Porterfield passed away on Tuesday.
It will be an important test for the fringe players as Fitzel is expected to make several changes from the team which drew with Turkey on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Justin Haber, George Mallia and Michael Mifsud will all miss the game against Armenia. Mifsud will in fact be allowed to rest after he still played on Saturday although he was not fully fit.
Jamie Pace is still in the squad although he is suspended for the next game against Hungary.
The squad named by Fitzel is made up of:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
strikers Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Braunschweig), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Actually Armenia were due to play a EURO 2008 Group A qualifier against Azerbaijan on Wednesday but UEFA cancelled the two matches between the two countries after no compromise agreement could be reached between the two associations over the venues for the two matches due to the political and security situation.
This will be the second time, Malta is facing Armenia. The first meeting goes back to July 1994 when Armenia registered a 1-0 win in a friendly match in Yerevan. That game was the first international game hosted by the Football Federation of Armenia. In fact, UEFA had used that match as a test case for the organisation of international matches by the FFA after they had been accepted as a member of UEFA in 1993.
Last Saturday, Armenia lost 3-1 to Cyprus in a friendly match at the Dhasaki Stadium in Achnas. Three weeks ago, they upset Portugal in the EURO 2008 qualifiers, holding them in a 1-1 draw in Yerevan. On the other hand, in June, Armenia managed to beat Poland 1-0.
Sad news hit the Armenian contingent in Malta after Scottish manager Ian Porterfield has died aged 61 after a battle with cancer. Armenia boss Porterfield, who played for Raith Rovers and Sunderland, was diagnosed with cancer of the colon early this year but continued to work up until his death.
He was recently admitted to a London hospital and was being replaced by assistant coaches Tom Jones and Vardan Minasyan.
The Armenia squad is made up of:
Goalkeepers: Feliks Hakobyan (FC MIKA), Mayis Azizyan (FC Ulis Yerevan);
Defenders: Robert Arzumanyan (FC Pyunik), Karen Dokhoyan (FC Pyunik), Sargis Hovsepyan (FC Pyunik), Aleksandr Tadevosyan (FC Pyunik), Egishe Melikyan (FC Banants), Ararat Arakelyan (FC Banants), Hovhannes Grigoryan (FC Banants);
Midfielders: Agvan Mkrtchyan (FC Pyunik), Romik Khachatryan (FC Universitatea Cluj), Artavazd Karamyan (FC Politehnica 1921 Stiinta Timisoara), Levon Pachajyan (FC Pyunik), Artur Minasyan (FC Ararat Yerevan), Samvel Melkonyan (FC Banants), Artur Voskanyan (FC Ararat Yerevan);
Forwards: Arman Karamyan (FC Politehnica 1921 Stiinta Timisoara), Arsen Avetisyan (FC Pyunik), Ara Hakobyan (FC Zimbru Chisinau).
Malta vs Armenia, which kicks-off at 20:15, will be controlled by Scottish referee Charles Richmond who will be assisted by Philip Agius and Ingmar Spiteri and fourth official Joe Attard.
Tickets for the two matches, including the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier between Malta and France, cost Lm 3 (Enclosure - West Stand) or Lm 2 (Millennium Stand). They will be on sale on match-day. The gates at the National Stadium open at 16:45.
Public transport will be available from City Gate to the National Stadium, starting from 16:30 and back to Valletta at around 19:15 for the Under-21 match and starting at 19:00 for the friendly 'A' match and back at around 22:00.
- The Malta Under-21 side will be in action once again on Wednesday as Malta hosts France in the third match from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship at the National Stadium, kick-off at 17:30.
The team will be eager to bounce back after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica last Saturday. In the first game, Malta was unlucky to lose 0-1 to Romania with a 95th minute goal.
A setback for Malta is the absence of Tyrone Farrugia and Clayton Failla. Farrugia was handed a two-match ban after being sent off in the game against Romania while Failla collected his second yellow card last Saturday and is therefore suspended.
The players at Mark Miller's disposal are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Michael Falzon (Hamrun), Miguel Montfort (Pietŕ), Luke Woods (Ware);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Mqabba), Edward Herrera (Pietŕ), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Kenneth Spiteri (Birkirkara);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Mintoff (Mqabba), Thomas Paris (Birkirkara), Dylan Zarb (Mqabba);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Tarxien), Christian Caruana (Floriana), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
France played their first game last Saturday, beating Wales 1-0.
The French squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Geoffrey Jourdren (Montpellier), Stephane Ruffier (Monaco);
defenders Habib Bellaid (Strasbourg), Mouhamadou Dabo (Saint Etienne), Maxime Josse (Sochaux), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Cyriaque Louvion (Le Mans), Florian Marange (Bordeaux), Vincent Muratori (Monaco);
midfielders Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Clement Chantome (PSG), Didier Digard (PSG), Yoann Gourcuff (Milan), Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes), Blaise Matuidi (Saint Etienne), Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle);
forwards Alexandre Bonnet (Sedan), Serge Gapke (Monaco), Yoan Gouffran (Caen), Jeremy Menez (Monaco), Dimitri Payet (Saint Etienne), Julien Quercia (Sochaux).
Malta vs France will be controlled by Ghennad Sidenco who will be assisted by assistant referees Oleg Molceanov and Veaceslav Berco and fourth official Vitale Onica.
Tickets for this game and the friendly 'A' international Malta vs Armenia cost Lm 3 (Enclosure - West Stand) or Lm 2 (Millennium Stand). They will be on sale on match-day. The gates at the National Stadium open at 16:45.
Public transport will be available from City Gate to the National Stadium, starting from 16:30 and back to Valletta at around 19:15 for the Under-21 match and starting at 19:00 for the friendly 'A' match and back at around 22:00.
- Malta defender Brian Said was included in Eurosport.com's Team of the Week following the EURO 2008 qualifiers which were played on Saturday.
Said, who was playing the 75th game for the national team, had put Malta ahead on the 40th minute.
The eleven players selected by Eurosport.com were Arni Arason [Iceland], Brian Said [Malta], Lilian Thuram [France], Lassana Diarra [France], Micah Richards [England], James McFadden [Scotland], Darren Fletcher [Scotland], Gareth Barry [England], Shawn Wright-Phillips [England], Emile Heskey [England], Eduardo Da Silva [Croatia].
Mon 10
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Luqa SA vs Naxxar L. 1-3, Ghaxaq vs Zebbug R. 1-1
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said the association is reaching its targets namely that of having the national team achieving better results and that of attracting more spectators at the National Stadium.
Dr Mifsud was speaking during a press conference following what was described as a "memorable" result against Turkey and ahead of next Wednesday's friendly match against Armenia.
The MFA president said that before last July's Annual General Meeting, his working programme included a number of objectives. One was that of improving the performance of the national team and obtaining more points in qualifying rounds. Another was that the MFA had to work hard to attract more spectators at the National Stadium. He said the association was fulfilling its promises.
The 2-2 draw was the first positive result obtained in a game against Turkey after five competitive matches. The national team obtained a record number of positive results in the group - a win and two draws - and obtained the highest number of points ever in over forty-five years of participation in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers.
"The next objective is that of avoiding the bottom place in the group," said Dr Mifsud.
Malta is currently sixth on five points from eight matches, three ahead of Moldova who also played eight matches.
"The support was phenomenal. Despite the tension, there were no serious incidents. The result was not a coincidence but result of the hard work which has been done," the MFA president said.
Dr Mifsud thanked all those who in one way or another played a part in this successful performance and result by the national team, namely, the national coach, technical staff, the players, the South End Core, all the other supporters who turned out at Ta' Qali, TeamSport, MFA officials, employees and other volunteers and the media for its support.
He said that now the focus should turn on next month's EURO 2008 qualifiers against Hungary in Budapest on October 13 and against Moldova on October 17 at Ta' Qali. In view of these two matches, Malta will be playing a friendly match against Armenia on Wednesday, kick-off at 20:15.
The MFA president said that although as a friendly match, the result was not the most important aspect, hopefully the result would be another positive one since it affects the FIFA ranking as well.
Actually Armenia were due to play a EURO 2008 Group A qualifier against Azerbaijan on Wednesday but UEFA cancelled the two matches between the two countries after no compromise agreement could be reached between the two associations over the venues for the two matches due to the political and security situation.
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel was quick to say that as usual, past matches are history and that he is focussing on the next game.
"I studied their (Armenia's) games. They drew with Portugal 1-1, after beating Poland 1-0 in the EURO 2008 qualifiers. In the FIFA Ranking, they jumped from 128th to 81st in just three months," said Fitzel. "They are very organised in defence and we can try out our offensive side against their defence. "
The Malta national coach revealed that he will be giving a chance to fringe players during this game.
"I will give a chance to the rest of the players as such games give them the only chance to show me they are good enough to replace other players."
From the squad which faced Turkey, goalkeeper Justin Haber, George Mallia and Michael Mifsud will be missing for the game against Armenia.
Fitzel revealed that the Coventry striker was injured last Saturday and after half an hour, considered replacing him. However after receiving treatment in half-time, he was able to continue the game.
Jamie Pace is in the squad although he is suspended for the next game against Hungary.
The squad named by Fitzel is made up of:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
strikers Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Braunschweig), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
South End Core
On behalf of the South End Core, Louis Agius said the group brought together a number of supporters clubs and individuals who wanted to gather behind the national team. He said that for the first time there was specific marketing with regards to this and the result was definitely a positive one, considering the turn-out and the behaviour of the spectators.
"The South End Core has already started working in view of the next EURO 2008 qualifier at home, against Moldova. Hopefully we will be able to join the national team for away matches as well," said Agius, who thanked the MFA for supporting them.
Malta vs Armenia
Meanwhile this will be the second time, Malta is facing Armenia. The first meeting goes back to July 1994 when Armenia registered a 1-0 win in a friendly match in Yerevan. That game was the first international game hosted by the Football Federation of Armenia. In fact, UEFA had used that match as a test case for the organisation of international matches by the FFA after they had been accepted as a member of UEFA in 1993.
Last Saturday, Armenia lost 3-1 to Cyprus in a friendly match at the Dhasaki Stadium in Achnas. FC Pyunik defender Robert Arzumanyan scored the only goal for Armenia.
Three weeks ago, they upset Portugal, holding them in a 1-1 draw in Yerevan thanks to another goal by Arzumanyan. On the other hand, in June, Armenia managed to beat Poland 1-0.
Armenia will not be accompanied by Scottish coach Ian Porterfield, who has been admitted to a London hospital where he is undergoing treatment for a serious illness. He is being replaced by assistant coaches Tom Jones and Vardan Minasyan.
The Armenia squad is made up of:
Goalkeepers: Feliks Hakobyan (FC MIKA), Mayis Azizyan (FC Ulis Yerevan);
Defenders: Robert Arzumanyan (FC Pyunik), Karen Dokhoyan (FC Pyunik), Sargis Hovsepyan (FC Pyunik), Aleksandr Tadevosyan (FC Pyunik), Egishe Melikyan (FC Banants), Ararat Arakelyan (FC Banants), Hovhannes Grigoryan (FC Banants);
Midfielders: Agvan Mkrtchyan (FC Pyunik), Romik Khachatryan (FC Universitatea Cluj), Artavazd Karamyan (FC Politehnica 1921 Stiinta Timisoara), Levon Pachajyan (FC Pyunik), Artur Minasyan (FC Ararat Yerevan), Samvel Melkonyan (FC Banants), Artur Voskanyan (FC Ararat Yerevan);
Forwards: Arman Karamyan (FC Politehnica 1921 Stiinta Timisoara), Arsen Avetisyan (FC Pyunik), Ara Hakobyan (FC Zimbru Chisinau).
Malta vs Armenia, which kicks-off at 20:15, will be controlled by Scottish referee Charles Richmond who will be assisted by Philip Agius and Ingmar Spiteri and fourth official Joe Attard.
Under-21: Malta vs France
Also on Wednesday, the Malta Under-21 side will be in action against France in another game from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers at the National Stadium, kick-off at 17:30.
This will be the third game for Mark Miller's side after a narrow 0-1 defeat to Romania last June and last Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica.
Tyrone Farrugia and Clayton Failla are suspended for Malta.
In their first outing in Group 10, France defeated Wales 1-0 last Saturday.
Malta vs France will be controlled by Ghennad Sidenco who will be assisted by assistant referees Oleg Molceanov and Veaceslav Berco and fourth official Vitale Onica.
Tickets for the two matches cost Lm 3 (Enclosure - West Stand) or Lm 2 (Millennium Stand). They will be on sale on match-day. The gates at the National Stadium open at 16:45.
Public transport will be available from City Gate to the National Stadium, starting from 16:30 and back to Valletta at around 19:15 for the Under-21 match and starting at 19:00 for the friendly 'A' match and back at around 22:00.
Sun 9
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mdina K. vs Mgarr U. 1-2, Gudja U. vs Balzan Y. 0-1, Lija A. vs Santa Lucia 6-1, Attard vs San Gwann 1-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Ghajnsielem vs Qala SJ 0-0 aet (2-4 pen), Victoria H. vs Nadur Y. 1-3 aet
- Second Division side Sta. Venera Lightnings FC presented the squad and their new signings during a dinner which was held at the club premises last Friday 31st August.
After presenting their new coach - Mr Lawrence Aquilina, Sta. Venera Lightnings confirmed most of the players which formed part of the squad last season.
The club signed goalkeeper Elvin Attard (Senglea) and Clifton Caruana (Pietŕ); defenders Johan Scicluna (Qormi) and Melvin Agius (Sta. Lucia); midfielders Dean Demanuele (Floriana) and James Galea (Hibernians) and strikers Ian Falzon (Birkirkara), Ramon Xuereb (Pietŕ) and Justin Felice (Floriana). All these players join the club on a one year loan.
Midfielders Noel Portelli and Glenn Micallef also joined Sta. Venera. The latter makes a permanent move from Birkirkara.
Sat 8
- EURO 2008 Malta vs Turkey 2-2
Besides the great performance by the players, one person who deserves credit for the recent series of positive results and performances by the national team is Malta coach Dusan Fitzel.
After being appointed as Malta coach in January 2006, he has so far led Malta to obtaining the highest number of points ever in a European Championship or World Cup qualifying campaign. Thanks to this draw, the team also moves another step towards reaching another objective the Malta Football Association had set - that of avoiding the bottom place in the table.
Dusan Fitzel definitely did his "homework" well before the game.
"They played exactly as I thought. Turkey are known as being the Brazil of Europe - their players usually do more than what is needed in football. I told my players to be ready for this," said Fitzel. "After watching Turkey in recent outings, I noticed there was something wrong in their defence. That's why I planned to focus on counter-attacks."
"I had told the players that if we were to score first, we would not lose. In such games, our opponents always panic," continued the Malta national coach.
As expected, Fitzel was disappointed that each time Malta took the lead, Turkey equalised in a matter of a couple of minutes.
"I'm glad I am still alive after going through it twice," he joked.
The hype surrounding the game in relation to Victory Day had a positive effect according to Fitzel.
"The players could feel the vibe. Watching so many supporters on the stands is completely different than having to play in front of just a thousand spectators. Hopefully fans will turn out at the stadium for future matches starting from next Wednesday's friendly against Armenia."
Dusan Fitzel concluded, "The players are really playing with their heart. They give their hundred per cent and that is all a coach wants from his players. After one-and-a-half years as national coach, it seems that I have no need to speak to them as they are now understanding me completely. All I tell them is be a team, enjoy the game and fight for the whole ninety minutes."
Unlike Fitzel, Fatih Terim was disappointed to see his team dropping two important points in the challenge for a place in the EURO 2008 finals.
"If we scored the first goal, the match would have been different. My players were not prepared for such a situation," said Terim.
"Adversities come together. We knew Malta would be defending, we lacked a couple of injured players and another player had to leave the pitch injured."
The Turkish coach admitted that defenders did commit mistakes but said that overall the team was not good.
"This is a critical period for us as we lost two important points. I do not blame the players. However I will have to make changes for Wednesday (against Hungary). At this point, we simply need to win all remaining games," concluded Fatih Terim.
- UEFA Under-21 Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Malta 4-0
The Malta Under-21 side suffered a 4-0 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a match from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship in Zenica on Saturday.
A goal after just two minutes by Petar Jelic paved the way for Bosnia. They doubled the score on 26 minutes thanks to a goal by Eldin Adilovic. The same player made it 3-0 on the hour and Ozren Peric sealed the issue three minutes from time with a fourth goal.
The Under-21 side will be in action once again on Wednesday as Malta hosts France in another match from Group 10 at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, kick-off at 17:30.
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Rabat A. vs Gzira U. 2-1, St. Andrews vs Mtarfa 1-1
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Oratory Y. vs SK Victoria W. 1-4, St Lawrence S. vs Zebbug R. 0-1
- Eurosport SocKids School will be organising a recruitment week for the upcoming football season between Monday 10th September 2007 and Friday 14th September 2007 between 1700 and 1900 daily. During this week, ex-international player and qualified UEFA 'B' coach, David Carabott, will be present at the Eurosport Complex in Psaila Street, Birkirkara to welcome boys and girls aged between 6 to 12.
The official schedule will commence by the end of September 2007 and will be spread over two semesters with regular weekly sessions from 1630 onwards. All training sessions will be conducted by David himself and the full training programme will be held at the synthetic turf pitches in Birkirkara.
All children enrolling with payment during the recruitment week will be receiving a free official kit together with another gift offered by Eurosport. The affiliation fee will be of Lm50 (€116.45) per semester and will include also a technical individual report after every semester.
Eurosport SocKids School will be organising a similar event even in Gozo. Applications for children who live in the sister island and are interested in joining the soccer school (sessions will be held at one the major artificial turf pitches in Gozo every Saturday afternoon), will be made available on Saturday 15th September 2007 between 0900 and 1200 at the GFA office in Xewkija. David Carabott will be present on the day together with an international guest who will be collaborating and sharing his professional experience at the soccer school.
For further information, one may call on mobile numbers 79438515 or 99468248 or send an email to sockidsmalta@yahoo.com.
- Futsal side Swing Kids will be organising a 5-a-side tournament at the Luxol Grounds between the 21st and 23rd September.
There will be Lm 400 in cash prizes and trophies for the first four teams. The top scorer will also receive a trophy.
Games will be controlled by MFA referees.
Participation fee is Lm 50 per team with a maximum of ten players.
For more info call Alex Frendo on 9927 6727 or Mark Debono on 9944 9853.
Fri 7
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Melita vs Kirkop U. 8-0, Birzebbuga SP vs Fgura U. 0-0
- With hopefully a large crowd behind them, the national team players will be aiming to do Malta proud on Saturday as Dusan Fitzel's side hosts Turkey in a match from Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifying round at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, kick-off at 19:30.
Ironically the game will be played on the same day, Malta celebrates Victory Day - the day which commemorates victory over the Ottoman Turks after a three-month siege in 1565.
However tomorrow's clash between Malta and Turkey is all about football.
Just over a year ago, Malta was about to start off its EURO 2008 campaign. As usual, expectations were not high although the Malta Football Association was quick to set a target - that of avoiding the bottom place in the group.
The first game ended in a disappointing 2-5 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina at Ta' Qali. On September 6, 2006, second-half goals by substitute Nihat Kahveci and Tümer Metin secured the three points for Turkey against a determined Malta side at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.
Malta then obtained a historic 2-1 win over Hungary at Ta' Qali thanks to a brace by Andre Schembri. In March, Malta held Moldova in a 1-1 draw a Chisinau. Four days later, Malta hosted Greece.
Thousands of spectators turned out at Ta' Qali to watch Malta lose narrowly to the European champions with the only goal being scored from a most controversial penalty.
In June, Malta played two games away from home, played in a space of five days. The boys in red lost 4-0 to Norway but then went just 1-0 down to Bosnia-Herzegovina thanks to a fine performance in Sarajevo.
The next opponent is Turkey.
It will be a most difficult game for Dusan Fitzel's side. After claiming four wins in the first four outings, Turkey were held in a 2-2 draw by Norway and then lost 2-3 to Bosnia-Herzegovina - just four days before the former Yugoslav Republic hosted Malta. The Turkish side was therefore joined in second place by Bosnia-Herzegovina and Norway on 13 points, five behind group leaders Greece. Turkey, however, have a game in hand.
Turkey therefore simply cannot afford to drop any points to maintain their bid of securing a place in the EURO 2008 finals.
Malta, on the other hand, will be aiming for a good performance - giving the Turkish side a very hard time and perhaps obtain a positive result. The national team counts on a near-full stadium as the Malta supporters could really be the twelfth man on the pitch as it was the case in the games against Hungary and Greece.
The South End Core - a group which brings together fans who gather at a number of pubs namely Rookies, Ryan's, Zmerc and Extra Time; the Birkirkara Ultras, the Paola Boys Hibs Ultras and the White Warriors; the Kavallieri Rugby Football Club and a number of other individuals - has been working hard over the past months to prepare a choreography similar to ones usually seen in football grounds abroad. Four thousand flags will be used for this choreography together with a replica Maltese shirt, measuring 15m by 10m and supplied by Diadora, which will flow over the South Side.
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel could field his best formation as no players are suspended while Ian Azzopardi and Stephen Wellman, who suffered slight injuries during training, are expected to be hundred per cent fit for the game.
Mario Muscat should be preferred to Justin Haber in goal after being named in the starting line-up for the last three games. Brian Said and Luke Dimech will be the two central defenders with Kenneth Scicluna on the right flank and Ian Azzopardi or Stephen Wellman on the left flank.
In midfield, Roderick Briffa and Ivan Woods are expected to play on the flanks with Gilbert Agius and Jamie Pace taking a central role.
Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri will start in attack.
Also at the disposal of Dusan Fitzel will are Josef Mifsud, Peter Pullicino, George Mallia, Kevin Sammut and Terence Scerri.
The starting line-up for Turkey, on the other hand, will be: Hakan Arikan (Besiktas), Sabri Sarioglu (Galatasaray), Ibrahim Toraman (Besiktas), Servet Cetin (Galatasaray), Ibrahim Uzulmez (Besiktas), Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich), Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United), Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray), Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough), Hakan Sukur (Galatasaray), Halil Altintop (Schalke 04).
The Malta national team will be wearing a new Diadora kit supplied by TeamSport. The all-red kit has a Maltese cross on the
Malta vs Turkey will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 19:30. The match will be controlled by referee Stefan Messner, assisted by assistant referees Klaus Strasser and Bernhard Zauner and fourth official Bernhard Brugger from Austria.
The MFA notifies that the sale of tickets will proceed on Saturday morning from the following retail outlets:
Gilardu Kiosk, Republic Street, Valletta
Café Matteo, Sta. Lucia Street, Valletta
Eros Stationery, Wilga Street, Paceville
Star Tourism, Pioneer Road, Bugibba
Health & Fitness Centre, Millennium Stand, Ta’ Qali.
All remaining tickets will be sold from the National Stadium starting at 18:00.
Ticket-prices are as follows:
West Sides A (Upper) and C - Lm 10
West Sides A (Lower) - Lm 4
Millennium Stand - Lm 3
North Stand - Lm 2
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Card Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders (in Millenium Stand ONLY) - Lm 2
All supporters attending the game are advised to find their way to the National Stadium as early as possible so as to avoid congestion at the gates which will open at 18:00.
Public Transport from City Gate to the National Stadium also starts at 18:00. Transport back to Valletta at the end of the match will be available as well.
Malta vs Turkey will be transmitted live on Melita Sports 3 and Channel 48. Live transmission from Ta' Qali starts at 19:15.
- Turkey coach Fatih Terim asked his players to be fully concentrated as they take on Malta on Saturday due to the importance of this game in their bid to secure a place in the EURO 2008 finals. Terim was speaking during a press conference which was held at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta' Qali.
"Turkey start as favourites in the game but on the field of play, anything can happen. But being favourites is not enough. Our players need to concentrate and I am sure they will be fully concentrated as they know the importance of this game."
This game, together with the game against Hungary on Wednesday, is of utmost importance for Turkey as the team is currently second on level points with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Norway on 13 points, five behind group leaders Greece. However Turkey have a game in hand.
So far, they played six matches, winning four and losing one. After beating Malta in the first game, they registered another three wins, defeating Hungary 1-0 in Budapest and Moldova 5-0 in Frankfurt and Greece 4-1 in Athens. However Turkey were then held in a 2-2 draw by Norway in Frankfurt and then suffered a shock 2-3 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
For the game against Malta, Mehmet Aurelio is suspended after picking a second yellow card in the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel suffered a hip injury while centre-back Gökhan Zan suffered a muscle strain and were therefore dropped from the squad.
However what worries Fatih Terim most is the fact that players based abroad are not playing regularly with their clubs. He said that for one reason or another, he always has to make changes to the line-up from one game to another.
Asked about Malta, Terim said, "I came here two or three times. Each time, there was some improvement and this was also evident in Frankfurt. They know the tactics well, adopting a 4-4-1-1 and are able to defend well. They also have some good players like Mifsud."
He went on to say, "Malta is lucky. The coach can have all the players at his disposal almost whenever he wants to."
As usual, Terim will be adopting an offensive approach. "To get points you need to attack. I always think about attacking - that's my style," said Terim.
The Turkish coach announced the starting line-up for Saturday's game:
Hakan Arikan (Besiktas)
Sabri Sarioglu (Galatasaray) - Ibrahim Toraman (Besiktas) - Servet Cetin (Galatasaray) - Ibrahim Uzulmez (Besiktas)
Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich) - Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United) - Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray) - Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough)
Hakan Sukur (Galatasaray) - Halil Altintop (Schalke 04)
Turkish journalists asked Fatih Terim what he thinks about the hype regarding Victory Day in Malta being celebrated on the same day, Turkey is playing Malta. The former Fiorentina and Milan coach said: "We came here to play football. The fact that Malta is playing on a national day has nothing to do with football."
Malta vs Turkey will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 19:30. The match will be controlled by referee Stefan Messner, assisted by assistant referees Klaus Strasser and Bernhard Zauner and fourth official Bernhard Brugger from Austria.
- The Police Commissioner issue instructions for supporters ahead of Saturday's EURO 2008 qualifier between Malta and Turkey at Ta' Qali.
The road leading to the Millennium Stand will be closed for traffic as it will be used for the parking of coaches, buses and mini-vans carrying youth nursery kids and people with special needs.
Searches will be carried out on spectators. No fog horns, smoke canisters or any sort of fireworks are allowed. Objects which could be used as missiles are also prohibited.
Offensive language and abusive behaviour are prohibited in the stadium and in the vicinities.
Persons under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
Anyone caught with any form of decorations or flags which is deemed racist or offensive will be banned from entering the stadium.
- The group which will be organising support for Malta vs Turkey at the South Side - the South End Core is in its final preparations for the game.
Preparations involved the preparing of material which will be used for the choreography similar to ones usually seen in football grounds abroad. Four thousand flags will be used for this choreography together with a replica Maltese shirt measuring 15m by 10m and supplied by Diadora which will flow over the South Side.
The objective of the group behind the South End Core is one - that of creating the right atmosphere to support the national team. Hopefully the number of spectators for the game will be one of the highest ever at Ta' Qali.
The organisers are appealing for all to unite in order to give the best possible support to the national team. Those who will be in the South End Core will have to follow instructions by stewards for a successful choreography.
Thu 6
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Zurrieq vs Zejtun C. 1-1, Xghajra T. vs Pembroke A. 2-1
- The Under-21 side plays the first of two UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers in five days as Malta takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica on Saturday. On Wednesday, Malta hosts France at Ta' Qali.
The game against Bosnia-Herzegovina will be the second one for Malta in Group 10 after a most unlucky 0-1 defeat to Romania at the Hibs Ground last June. The local side had suffered the pressure by the visiting side but it was only a goal on the 95th minute which gave Romania the three points.
Following a training camp in the Czech Republic, Malta played a friendly a friendly in Portugal, losing 3-0. However the performance of Mark Miller's side was a positive one.
Miller is now hoping his players will show the same enthusiasm and determination in these two matches.
Missing from the squad is Msida St. Joseph defender Tyrone Farrugia who was handed a two-match ban after being sent off in the game against Romania.
The players selected by Miller for these two matches are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Michael Falzon (Hamrun), Miguel Montfort (Pietŕ), Luke Woods (Ware);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Mqabba), Edward Herrera (Pietŕ), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Kenneth Spiteri (Birkirkara);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Mintoff (Mqabba), Thomas Paris (Birkirkara), Dylan Zarb (Mqabba);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Tarxien), Christian Caruana (Floriana), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun) and Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Bosnia coach Nikola Nikic, on the other hand, named a 22-man squad namely:
goalkeepers Jasmin Buric (NK Celik), Novica Berak (FK Gacko),
defenders Avdija Vršajevic (AC Sparta Prague), Adnan Likic (NK Slavonac), Vukašin Benovic (FK Slavija), Matijas Pejic (NK Orašje)
midfielders Mehmedalija Covic (FC Gent), Boris Pandža (NK Hajduk), Kenan Cejvanovic (FK Sloboda Tuzla), Predrag Papaz (FK Slavija), Dario Puric (FK Modrica), Semir Štilic (FK Željeznicar), Ilija Ristanic (NK Orašje)
forwards Šerif Hasic (NK Celik), Emir Kasapovic (FK Sloboda Tuzla, Fenan Salcinovic (NK Celik Zenica), Admir Aganovic (FK Lucani), Petar Jelic (FC Nurnberg), Ozren Peric (Šturm), Eldin Adilovic (Interblok Ljubljana), Vlado Zadro (NK Zrinjski) and Haris Bešlija (FK Željeznicar).
- The Malta national team continued its preparation for next Saturday's EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey at Ta' Qali. The team held a training session on Thursday afternoon and will be holding one final training session on Friday.
Ian Azzopardi and Stephen Wellman, who both suffered slight injuries on Wednesday, will still make it to the 18-man squad for Saturday's game.
Wellman trained regularly with the rest of the squad while Azzopardi training on his own on Thursday.
The 18-man squad is therefore made up of:
goalkeeprs Justin Haber (Haidari), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
strikers Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Braunschweig), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
There is therefore no place for goalkeepers Omar Borg and Andrew Hogg. defender Aaron Xuereb, midfielder Roderick Bajada and Cleavon Frendo and strikers Etienne Barbara and Andrew Cohen.
- The Turkish squad arrived in Malta on Thursday on flight TK 3481 from Istanbul. Malta hosts Turkey in a match from Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifiers at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 19:30.
This game, together with the game against Hungary on Wednesday, is of utmost importance for Fatih Terim's side as the team is currently second on level points with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Norway on 13 points, five behind group leaders Greece. However Turkey have a game in hand.
So far, they played six matches, winning four and losing one. After beating Malta in the first game, they registered another three wins, defeating Hungary 1-0 in Budapest and Moldova 5-0 in Frankfurt and Greece 4-1 in Athens. However Turkey were then held in a 2-2 draw by Norway in Frankfurt and then suffered a shock 2-3 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
Turkey's preparations have been undermined by a hip injury to goalkeeper Volkan Demirel and a muscle strain for centre-back Gökhan Zan. Fenerbahçe custodian Volkan has been substituted by Ankaragücü's Under-21 international Serkan Kirintili, who will provide goalkeeping cover for the two games.
Terim recalled Villarreal striker Nihat Kahveci, who had been out of action in the first half of the year after undergoing surgery on torn ligaments in his left knee.
The Turkish squad will be holding two training sessions: one on Thursday at 19:30 at the MFA Training Grounds and another on Friday at 19:00 at the National Stadium.
The squad named by coach Fatih Terim is made up of:
Goalkeepers: Rustu Recber (Besiktas), Hakan Arikan (Besiktas), Serkan Kirintili (Ankaragücü)
Defenders: Ibrahim Toraman (Besiktas), Ibrahim Uzulmez (Besiktas), Servet Cetin (Galatasaray), Sabri Sarioglu (Galatasaray), Deniz Baris (Fenerbahce), Hayrettin Yerlikaya (Sivasspor)
Midfielders: Mehmet Aurelio (Fenerbahce), Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough), Gokdeniz Karadeniz (Trabzonspor), Huseyin Cimsir (Trabzonspor), Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich), Nuri Sahin (Feyenoord), Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Serdar Ozkan (Besiktas), Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray), Mehmet Topuz (Kayserispor)
Forwards: Hakan Sukur (Galatasaray), Gokhan Unal (Kayserispor), Hakan Kadir Balta (Vestel Manisaspor), Halil Altintop (Schalke 04), Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal).
Malta and Turkey met five times with the Turkish side winning all matches. The first meeting took place in Ocotber 1976 with Turkey claiming a 4-0 win in a match from the 1978 World Cup qualifiers. In November 1977, Turkey won 3-0 at the Empire Stadium. The two countries met once again in 1979, this time in the European Championship qualifiers. Turkey won 2-1 in Izmir and 2-1 at the Empire Stadium.
Last year, on September 6 - 2006, goals by Nihat Kahveci on 56 minutes and Metim Tumer on 77 minutes gave Turkey a 2-0 win at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.
Wed 5
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gharghur vs Siggiewi 1-3, Kalkara vs Qrendi 1-2
- Gozo - Independence Cup Ghajnsielem vs Kercem A. 2-1
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Zebbug R. vs Xewkija T. 2-0
- Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during the last round of matches from the BOV Premier League.
Clayton Failla (Hibernians) and Ian Zammit (Valletta) will be missing the clash between Valletta and Hibernians on September 17.
Pietŕ Hotspurs defender Pierre Aquilina is ruled out of the game against Msida St. Joseph on September 16.
On Friday, Mqabba's Marcelo Pereira was also banned for one match.
Other players weho were banned for one match include Hubert Gatt Bonello (Gzira), Jean Paul Mercieca (Birzebbuga), Shawn Meilaq (Mtarfa) and Errol Cachia (Zebbug).
Zebbug Rangers coach Charles Borg Sant was banned for one match and fined Lm 10.
- Out-of-contract striker Daniel Bogdanovic returned to Foggia on Tuesday where he will be having another trial with the Serie C1 side.
Foggia coach Salvatore Campilongo will take another look at the former Marsaxlokk striker for the next seven to ten days before deciding whether to retain the player or not.
Bogdanovic, who already had trials with Brann and Molde in Norway and Stoke City in England, had joined Foggia for a first trial last month. However he had to cut short his stay at the team's training camp in Chatillon after just three days as groin pain stopped him from following regular training sessions.
The Montenegro-born striker is hoping to join the fourth club after playing for Esperance Sportive Tunis (Tunisia), Vasas SC (Hungary) and Cherno More Varna (Bulgaria). In Malta, he played for Sliema Wanderers, Naxxar Lions, Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Ghajnsielem in Gozo. Last season, he helped Marsaxlokk claim their first ever BOV Premier League title with 31 goals in 28 matches.
- Nigerian-born striker Udochukwu Nwoko is not yet eligible to play for Malta despite obtaining Maltese citizenship.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, national coach Dusan Fitzel revealed that since Nwoko had already turned out for the Nigerian Under-23 side once, under FIFA regulations, the Malta Football Association needs a 'release letter' from the Nigerian FA which FIFA will then have to approve.
Udo Nwoko, who joined Portuguese top division side Leixoes SC this summer, has been living in Malta for several years. He played for the Paola Hibs Youth Nursery before making his Premier League debut in season 2003/04.
Nwoko also played in Gozo with Xewkija Tigers and then was also loaned to Mosta in 2005/06 and Marsaxlokk last season.
- Pietŕ Hotspurs Youth Nursery is receiving applications for children, aged 4 to 12, who interested in joining the nursery.
Nursery officials will be accepting these applications at the club in Our Lady of Sorrows Street between Wednesday 5 and September 21, between 17:00 and 20:00.
Four passport photos and two birth certificates are necessary and the child should be accompanied one of the parents. The parent should present his/her ID card as well.
Tue 4
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out San Gwann vs Gudja U. 2-0, Sta. Lucia vs Ghaxaq 0-6
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday 10th September 2007 at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali, for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence coaches.
Since this will be a theory session it will commence at 17.30 hrs.
All coaches are requested to be punctual for this Instructional Meeting.
- Mr. Alex Delia, Head Coach at Premier School of Football, has just returned from the UK after attending the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football (UEFA B Award) Course organized by The FA coaching arm, FA Learning.
The Course, which took place at Keele University, was spread over a period of eight days and consisted of theoretical and practical sessions on the various aspects of the game. Course Director Graham Keeley and coach educators Darran Bowles and Peter Trevivian conducted the sessions. Aston Villa and FA physiotherapist Andy Rose treated the medical aspect of the course.
All coaches participating in the course, twenty-two in all, were required to prepare and conduct two training sessions of twenty five minutes each as part of their course assessment on topics specifically selected by their respective coach educator. Mr. Delia's two sessions were a functional session on coaching the two central defenders to defend effectively and a phase of play on combination play in the attacking third.
This course provided Mr. Delia with the opportunity to experience coaching tuition at the highest level in one of the best football associations abroad. On the course's penultimate day, a BBC radio journalist sent to Keele to bring up a radio feature on the FA coaching systems and tuition courses, also interviewed Alex.
Apart from running the Premier School of Football, which at the moment is accepting applications for the new season from youngsters wanting to join the school, Mr. Delia is also U/19 coach and senior team assistant coach to Mr. Michael Degiorgio for Naxxar Lions FC.
- The general public is being informed that the San Gwann Youth Football Nursery is accepting applications from boys and girls aged between 4 and 15 for the upcoming football season.
Parents interested in registering their children with the Nursery are invited to call personally at the Nursery Premises within the Football Ground complex at Triq il-Kampanella, San Gwann, from Monday to Friday between 17:00 and 19:00.
Members of the Nursery Administration team will be present to give any information required.
Mon 3
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Attard 2-0, Zebbug R. vs Lija A. 1-1
- National coach Dusan Fitzel was confirmed as national coach and MFA Technical Director for another two years after reaching an agreement with the Malta Football Association. This was revealed during a press conference which focussed on the senior national team's commitments against Turkey and Armenia and Under-21 side's qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and France.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud that following last month's elections, the association started working hard to fulfil its promises. There were two main priorities: the improvement of club infrastructure and the renewal of the contract of national coach Dusan Fitzel.
Discussions between the two parties started while the team was in Tirana for the friendly match against Albania and soon an agreement was reached.
Fitzel will therefore stay as national coach at least until the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - the draw for which will be held on November 25.
The coach from the Czech Republic said that from his point of view, he considered renewing the contract as he felt he could still give more. He also said that as MFA Technical Director, he had promoted a number of projects and therefore he could not leave before finishing such projects.
A very important test for the national team is next Saturday's EURO 2008 Group C qualifier against Turkey at Ta' Qali.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud once again reminded that a main objective of the association is that the team avoids the bottom place of the table in these qualifiers.
Four matches will be played over the next week - the EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey and the friendly match against Armenia for the national 'A' team and the two UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and France.
Dr Mifsud said that despite the fact that Malta is a small country, both the national team and the Under-21 side prepared professionally for these matches. Both teams had a one-week training camp in Slovakia and the Czech Republic respectively and then both teams played a friendly match. The 'A' team played against Albania in Tirana while the Under-21 side played against Portugal.
The MFA president said the game against Turkey is a most important game for the national team.
"The national team is now respected and no other country takes us for granted. It will be a very difficult game for us, considering the strength of the Turkish side. However despite the difference between the two teams, we will be trying to give them a hard time and aim for a positive result," continued Dr Mifsud.
He said the association is hoping the public will be all out behind the team as support was one of the keys for achieving a positive result.
Dr Mifsud asked local fans to support the team but, "as citizens of a civilised country", it was important to show respect towards the visitors. He said that it was important to avoid incidents as UEFA is very strict in this regard. In fact, the MFA was fined around Lm 5,000 for the firing of two fireworks during the game Malta vs Greece in March.
The MFA president reminded that although this game will be played on Victory Day, "football is not a war or battle."
National coach Dusan Fitzel admitted the game against Turkey will be a very difficult one.
"Four teams are fighting for a place in the EURO 2008 and therefore Turkey cannot afford losing any points from the game," said Fitzel.
In their last two EURO 2008 qualifiers, Turkey were held in a 2-2 by Norway at home and lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2 in Sarajevo. They also lost a friendly match to Romania.
Fitzel is a bit worried that out of the foreign-based players, only Luke Dimech is playing regularly with his team. Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri are only being used as substitutes most of the time while the league for Justin Haber in Greece is yet to start.
He said that three new players were added to the squad, namely Birkirkara goalkeeper Omar Borg, Hibernians defender Aaron Xuereb and Marsaxlokk striker Cleavon Frendo. Fitzel said these players have three months to show they are good enough to play for the national team.
The only player who is ruled out of the next two games is Gareth Sciberras who is suffering from a hamstring injury. Gilbert Agius, Roderick Briffa and Justin Haber are recovering from slight injuries but should be fully fit by Saturday.
Daniel Bogdanovic is not part of the squad. Fitzel said the problem was mainly one of communication. He had asked the player to keep in touch with him. However the player, who tried his luck with teams in Norway, England and Italy, did not inform the national coach about his progress. "For me, he is no longer a national team player," Fitzel said.
No players are suspended but the Malta coach warned the players who are booked to be careful not to pick another yellow card which would rule them out of the next game.
Malta vs Turkey will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 19:30. The match will be controlled by referee Stefan Messner, assisted by assistant referees Klaus Strasser and Bernhard Zauner and fourth official Bernhard Brugger from Austria.
Tickets are already on sale. Ticket-prices are as follows:
West Sides A (Upper) and C - Lm 10.00
West Sides A (Lower) - Lm 4.00
Millennium Stand - Lm 3.00
North Stand - Lm 2.00
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Card Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders (in Millenium Stand ONLY) - Lm 2.00
Pre-Sale of Tickets is from the following authorised outlets:
Geraldu Kiosk - Republic Street and Matteo Café - Sta. Lucia Street, Valletta,
Eros Stationery - Wilga Street, Paceville,
Star Tourism - Pioneers Road, Bugibba,
Teamsport of Iklin and
the Health & Fitness Centre at the Millennium Stand, Ta’ Qali.
Remanining tickets will be available from the National Stadium on match-day.
Tickets for the South Side - the South-End-Core are on sale exclusively from Louis Agius 79403309 or Eman Pulis 99263626 or from the KSU outlet on campus, Rookies - Bugibba, Ryan’s - St. Julian’s -, Zmerc Pub - Balzan, Teamsport - Iklin, Extra Time - Mosta, 47 Summer Nights - Marsascala, Dual Zone - Paola, Scruples - Birkirkara and Go Mobile outlets. Tickets sell at Lm 2.00.
The gates at the National Stadium will open at 18:00. Public Transport from City Gate to the National Stadium also starts at 18:00. Transport back to Valletta at the end of the match will be available as well.
At around 18:00, Events Services will provide entertainment at the National Stadium. This will be presented by DJ Pierre Cordina. Peter Busuttil will be Master of Ceremonies.
Bank of Valletta will be distributing plastic sticks to spectators to help create an atmosphere prior to and during the match. TeamSport, thanks to Diadora, will provide a giant replica shirt of the new national team kit measuring 15 metres by 10 metres which will be used for the same reason.
Meanwhile the Malta Under-21 side will travel to Bosnia Herzegovina later this week ahead of next Saturday's UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina. On Wednesday, the team will host France at Ta' Qali.
Under-21 coach Mark Miller is quite confident after what he described as "a fantastic training camp in the Czech Republic and a good game in Portugal - also a good test for the game against France."
He said the players could hold their heads high after that game against a set of players who will definitely make it to the senior squad of Portugal, including Manchester United's Nani. Miller singled out three players - Mosta's Steve Borg who had the difficult task of marking Nani, Clifford Gatt Balaacchino, a Sliema product currently on loan at Mqabba, and Floriana defender Duncan Pisani for their performance. He also mentioned England-based goalkeeper Luke Woods who left a good impression during the training camp.
Tyrone Farrugia is ruled out of these two games after being sent off in the game against Romania in June but Miller said that if the team played the next games with the same enthusiasm and determination, they will do well in these two matches. Malta had lost 0-1 to Romania at the Hibs Ground, a goal five minutes in stoppage time.
Jonathn Caruana and Steve Bezzina are back in squad after missing the training camp due to injuries while Christian Caruana returns to the team after an excellent start in the BOV Premier League with Floriana.
Wednesday's game against France kicks-off at 17:30. It will be controlled by referee Ghennadi Sidneco, assisted by assistant referees Oleg Molceanov and Veacslav Berco and fourth official Vitale Onica from Moldova.
This game will be followed by the friendly 'A' international Malta vs Armenia, kick-off at 20:15.
Both matches will be played at the National Stadium. Tickets for these games cost: West Stand - Lm 3 and Millennium Stand - Lm 2 and will be available at the gates on match-day.
- The Malta national teams will be wearing new Diadora kits, starting from next Saturday's EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey.
The new kits were produced exclusively for the Malta national team. Jonathan Darmanin and Damien Attard from TeamSport said the team will be wearing an all-red kit as the home gear and an all-white kit as the away gear.
The goalkeepers will wear either a yellow shirt and black shorts or an all-black kit.
An interesting feature of this exclusive kit is the Maltese cross on the background.
The new kits are complete with track-suits and kits for training.
Diadora also produced an exclusive high-qualify football which will be used from now onwards for all BOV Premier League matches and national team matches.
- Season 2007/08 will be a busy year for the national teams as almost all teams will be involved in the qualifiers for the various competitions.
After playing the EURO 2008 Group C qualifier against Turkey at Ta' Qali on Saturday, the Malta 'A' national team will be hosting Armenia in a friendly match on Wednesday 12 September.
Malta then travels to Budapest for another EURO 2008 qualifier on October 13 and then hosts Moldova four days later at Ta' Qali. The national team travels once again, this time to Athens for the game against Greece on November 17 and finally hosts Norway on November 21 at Ta' Qali.
The Malta Football Association will then host the Malta International Tournament on February 2, 4 and 6. Malta could also play a friendly match, possibly in March.
The Malta Under-21 side will be playing six games from the UEFA Under-21 Championship.
The first game is away to Bosnia-Herzegovina on September 8 and four days later, Malta hosts France at Ta' Qali. On October 17, Malta plays Wales in Cardiff and a month later - on November 16, Malta plays Romania in Bucharest. Malta will be in action once again on November 19 as the Under-21 side hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina. The last game for this season is the game against Wales on February 5.
The Under-19 side will be taking part in the UEFA Under-19 Championship mini-tournament, hosted by Italy, on November 10, 12 and 15. Malta will be playing against Croatia, Montenegro and Italy.
The Under-17 side will be taking part in the UEFA Under-17 Championship mini-tournament, hosted by Estonia, on October 21, 23 and 26. The team will be playing against England, Portugal and Estonia.
The Futsal national team will be taking part in the qualifiers for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. The draws for the competition will be held on September 25 and the mini-tournament will probably be held in January.
The only team which will not play any competitive matches will be the Women's national team. However UEFA will be organising a series of mini-tournaments on a friendly basis. Malta will be taking part in a mini-tournament this autumn and will play against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Luxembourg. Another mini-tournament will be held in spring with the opponents being Bulgaria, Armenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud warned players to keep away from any kind of drugs as according to FIFA regulations, testing positive would mean a minimum one-year suspension in most cases.
Dr Mifsud was speaking before the signing of a new two-year sponsorship agreement with DHL Express. The agreement is based on DHL Express providing transport services including transporting samples for doping analysis to testing laboratories in Europe.
The MFA president said that the association has been carrying out random doping tests for the past twelve years. He said that over the years, it seems that the problem is bigger in the lower divisions.
Over the past years, there were only just three or four cases where players tested positive for drugs meant to enhance performance. The remaining cases involved players who took over-the-counter medicine without informing the club doctor, others who tested positive for substances produced by the body. The rest tested positive for social drugs, such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine.
FIFA monitors all doping cases. In fact, when a doping test is carried out, the samples are sent to a FIFA-accredited laboratory. This lab informs both FIFA and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) about any positive result.
Then if the association suspends the player for a period which is less than the minimum as stipulated by FIFA regulations, FIFA demands an explanation from the association.
Dr Mifsud said that the MFA carries out regular doping tests on players despite the costs involved. He thanked DHL Express for this agreement and also thanked the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport for their financial support.
Glen Scowen, Managing Director for DHL Express in Malta, thanked the association for entrusting DHL Express for the provision of this service.
Sun 2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Kirkop U. vs St. Andrews 2-4, Mgarr U. vs Luqa SA 1-0, Naxxar L. vs Mdina K. 5-0, Fgura U. vs Rabat A. 1-4
- Gozo - Independence Cup Victoria H. vs Xaghra U. 3-1 aet, Nadur Y. vs Sannat L. 3-1
- Second Division side Mgarr United presented the squad and their new signings during a BBQ-Night which was held at the Mgarr ground on Friday.
After confirming Joe Grech as coach, Mgarr United confirmed most of the players which formed part of the squad that was crowned as BOV Third Division champions last season.
The club's new signings are midfielder Matthew Borg from Mosta, winger Eric Sciberras from Zebbug Rangers and goalkeeper Kevin Ellul from Floriana. Other new faces, who will also be eligible for the Under-19 side include striker Brian Deguara, goalkeeper Ryan Marmara and defender Mark Camilleri, all coming from Mosta.
Mgarr United F.C. also renewed the loan of players like Alan Chetcuti, Christian Scerri, Chris Gauci and Mattias Vella for another season.
President Joe Schembri also announced that an agreement was reached with two sponsors for the forthcoming season. Attard Bros. Ltd. and Ballut Blocks Ltd. will be the club's Main Sponsors for season 2007/8.
- Pembroke Athleta Women's team will be organising a 5-a-side tournament on Friday 21st September at San Andrea School, Mgarr from 15:00 onwards.
This tournament is open for both female and male players. Players must be 13 years and over.
Participating fee is Lm 3 per player.
Those interested in taking part should contact Maria on 99487542 or Dorita on 99267740 by Monday 10th September.
Sat 1
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Marsaxlokk 1-2, Pietà H. vs Valletta 1-3
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mtarfa vs Melita 2-10, Gzira U. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Munxar F. vs Oratory Y. 0-2, St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 1-1 (3-2 pen)
- Nigerian-born midfielder Ndubisi Chukunyere will be back for Hibernians after obtaining Maltese citizenship. Chukunyere had earlier been released in order for the club to be able to sign three foreigners.
- Turkey coach Fatih Terim named a 26-man squad for their EURO 2008 qualifiers against Malta on September 8 and Hungary on September 12.
Terim recalled Villarreal striker Nihat Kahveci, who had been out of action in the first half of the year after undergoing surgery on torn ligaments in his left knee.
Turkey's prospects of reaching the finals suffered a setback in their last qualifier in June when they lost 3-2 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Turkey are third in Group C on 13 points, trailing leaders Greece on 18 and Bosnia with 13, but have a game in hand on both those sides.
The squad showed a strong Besiktas presence, with the Istanbul side providing six players. Five of the squad were from Galatasaray and just three from their Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Rustu Recber (Besiktas), Hakan Arikan (Besiktas), Volkan Demirel (Fenerbahce)
Defenders: Ibrahim Toraman (Besiktas), Ibrahim Uzulmez (Besiktas), Gokhan Zan (Besiktas), Servet Cetin (Galatasaray), Sabri Sarioglu (Galatasaray), Deniz Baris (Fenerbahce), Hayrettin Yerlikaya (Sivasspor)
Midfielders: Mehmet Aurelio (Fenerbahce), Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough), Gokdeniz Karadeniz (Trabzonspor), Huseyin Cimsir (Trabzonspor), Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich), Nuri Sahin (Feyenoord), Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Serdar Ozkan (Besiktas), Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray), Mehmet Topuz (Kayserispor)
Forwards: Hakan Sukur (Galatasaray), Gokhan Unal (Kayserispor), Hakan Kadir Balta (Vestel Manisaspor), Halil Altintop (Schalke 04), Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal)