February 2008
Fri 29
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Mdina K. 1-0, Zejtun C. vs Mtarfa 3-4
- Malta once again finished on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline when they were beaten by Albania in their second match of the 2008 FIFA World Cup Group 7 first qualifying round mini-tournament at AS Hibernians Pavilion, Corradino.
As happened on Thursday, the Maltese fought back from a two-goal deficit to reduce the arrears early in the second period, after which, and despite two excellent saves from the agile goalkeeper Bjorn Vassallo, the boys in Red applied the pressure on the Albanians till the very end.
Malta had a shaky start and were a goal down after just over two minutes when Zamir Lumanas breached our defensive lines. Our players’ reaction lacked conviction at this point as their efforts to penetrate the opposing rearguard were never really dangerous. The same Albanian player made it 2-0 in the 11th minute, with the Maltese trying vainly to come into the picture.
All that changed in the second period when another set-piece similar to that against Greece the day before was excellently worked out before John Cutajar fired Timothy Ellis’s square ball past Hektor Psatha, the Albanian goalkeeper. With the visitors hanging on five personal faults and wary that another one would earn Malta a penalty, it was Albania’s turn to pull down the curtains, even if Psatha had to emulate Vassallo in the opposite goal and pull of two remarkable saves in the last minutes of the match.
Despite a second narrow defeat in a row against higher-ranked opponents, Malta again drew deserved applause from the sizeable crowd at the end of the match and coach Michael Striz and his assistant Mark Marlow must have been encouraged by another generous performance.
Malta lined up as follows: Bjorn Vassallo, Timothy Ellis, Tyron Borg, John Cutajar, Nebojsa Mijailovic, James Ciangura, Paul Bugeja, Mark Ellul Sullivan, Noel Bray, Benny Gialanze, Jeanbert Gatt, Robert Magro.
Malta will end their commitments on Sunday when they play the strong Slovenian team.
In the other game on Friday, Slovenia victually secured their qualification into the next round by beating challengers Greece by three goals to one.
Slovenia went ahead in the 2nd minute of the game through Denis Ibrisimovic but Postolos Gkaifyllias equalised for Greece in the 9th minute. Ibrisimovic scored again for Slovenia in the 13th.
Slovenia only made sure of victory thanks to a brilliant solo effort by Benjamin Milink in the dying seconds of the game.
- Under-21 international midfielder Andrei Agius extended his contract with Italian side F.C. Messina for another four years. His contract will now expire on June 30th 2012.
Agius had joined Messina in summer 2005 after playing for FC Zemun in Serbia and Sporting Mascalucia in Sicily the previous season.
He played for the Messina primavera side in 2005/06. Last year, he was loaned to AC Martina in the Serie C1 while this season, he is on loan with Igea Virtus.
Thu 28
- Showing good improvement in technical skills and the high-tempo passing game, Malta went down 2-1 to Greece, a team ranked much higher in the European and World Futsal standings.
Although the Greeks had an edge in rotational movement, they could not find a way past a well-drilled Maltese defence and when they had a pot at goal they found goalkeeper Bjorn Vassallo in inspiring form.
After both sides had efforts against the goal frame, Thomas Panou gave the visitors the lead 13 minutes into the opening period following a fine move. A set-piece enabled Greece to make it 2-0 through Morfesis Panagiotis almost two minutes after the restart.
But Michal Striz’s team kept up their passing tempo to put pressure on their opponents for most of the second half. With almost four minutes to go Nebiosa Mijailovic planted the ball into the roof of the net after a well-engineered set-piece. The crowd went wild with the delight and that ignited our team to a last-ditch effort to save the game. However, the Greeks held out for a close victory.
This result showed that our status in Futsal has gone up significantly since we made our debut on the international stage early last year.
MALTA: Bjorn Vassallo, Benny Gialanze, John Cutajar, Timothy Ellis, Mark Ellul Sullivan, Jeanbert Gatt, Tyron Borg, Noel Bray, Paul Bugeja, Robert Magro, Roberto Micallef, Nebiosa Mijailovic.
In the first match, Slovenia beat Albania 2-0 through goals netted by Milivoje Simeunovic and Benjamin Melink.
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Munxar F. 2-0, Gharb R. vs SK Victoria W. 0-5
Wed 27
- The national Futsal team will be aiming for its first positive result as Malta hosts the Group 7 mini-tournament from the FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifying round. The tournament gets underway on Thursday with the remaining matches being played on Friday and Sunday. Matches will be played at the AS Hibernians Pavilion, Corradino.
Taking part in the tournament are Albania, Greece and Slovenia.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef said this will be a difficult task for the Maltese side, considering that countries like Slovenia and Greece are ranked highly.
Slovenia are in fact one of the strongest countries in Europe and reached the final stages of the UEFA Futsal Championship in 2003. As part of their preparation for this qualifying tournament, they played two friendlies against Brazil, losing 3-6 and 1-3 in front of thousands of spectators.
Assistant coach Mark Marlow said Malta will be aiming for its first positive result in an international game as Albania are considered to be more or less on the same level as Malta.
Marlow said the players have been working hard and showed considerable improvement over the past eighteen months. He appealed for full support by the public as this was necessary for the team to do better.
Captain Mark Ellul Sullivan agreed that these will be difficult matches but said the players are looking forward to giving their best in the three matches.
Missing from the squad for Malta will be Niki Bilocca together with Jonathan Sammut and Sandro Hili. The thirteen players selected by Michal Striz are therefore:
goalkeepers Benny Gialanze (El Mundos), Bjorn Vassallo (Aluserv) and players Tyron Borg (Zurrieq), Noel Bray (Southenders), Paul Bugeja (Kerygma), James Ciangura (Scandals Bar), John Cutajar (Scandals Bar), Timothy Ellis (Powerade), Jeanbert Gatt (Scandals Bar), Robert Magro (Naxxar Motors), Roberto Micallef (Powerade), Nebjosa Mijailovic (European Pilot Academy) and Mark Ellul Sullivan (Amazon).
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.
Since then Malta played three international friendly matches last October. Malta lost 0-3 to Moldova at the Hibs Pavilion and then suffered two 11-0 defeats to the Czech Republic away from home.
These two matches against the Czech Republic - one of the strongest sides in Europe, were good tests for the Maltese team, especially in view of the game against Slovenia, according to assistant coach Mark Marlow.
MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef revealed that the association will be working harder to promote futsal and is planning to organise futsal tournaments for nurseries as from this summer. It is planned that children attending nurseries and failing to make the grade in football are lured to futsal.
The following is the programme of fixtures:
Thursday 28 February 2008
17:00 Slovenia v Albania
19:00 Malta v Greece
Friday 29 February 2008
18:00 Malta v Albania
20:00 Greece v Slovenia
Sunday 2 March 2008
18:00 Albania v Greece
20:00 Slovenia v Malta
Entrance to the AS Hibernians Sports Pavilion is free.
ALBANIA: Arjan Nikolli; Florian Manastilriu; Artan Qopeku; Dorian
Dajko; Hektor Psatha; Armand Nebiu; Arjan Hysa; Erjon
Arapi; Karlo Kalus; Bujar Celufaj; Alban Volumi; Ani Mullaj;
Admir Mehja; Gerdi Spahiu; Zamir Lumanaj; Ardit Behari;
Fishnik Bllaca; Bledar Rama; Ledio Rrudho; Dritan Jahja. NATIONAL COACH: Edi Martinaj
GREECE: Petros Stolis; Konnos Pappas; Ioannis Mostrios; Athanasios Zachos; Thomas Panou; Apostolos Gkaifyllias; Sokratis Mourdoukoutas;
Christos Kolympiris; Marios Troulitakis; Ioannis Delaportas;
Spiridion Gritzalis; Marios Stamoulos; Anastasios Ziakas;
Panagiotis Morfesis. NATIONAL COACH: Stefanos Soilemes
SLOVENIA: Urban Bajc, Aljoa Mohoriace, Darko
Tokiace, Miha Osojnik, Igor Kragelj, Slaven Radia Kovia, Denis
Ibria Imovia, Gorazd Drobniace, Igor Osredkar, Benjamin
Melink, Rajko Ura Iace, Milivoje Simeunovia (captain), Damir
Pertiace, Slavia A. Goraovia. NATIONAL COACH: Andrej Doboviacenik
- Three of the top European countries at youth level - Italy, Ireland and Turkey will be taking part in an Under-16 tournament which will be held in Malta next month.
The tournament will provide a good test for the team managed by coach Oliver Spiteri in view of the UEFA mini-tournament which will be held next year.
Matches will be played at the MFA Training Grounds on March 16, 18 and 20.
The Under-19 national team, coached by Edwin Camilleri, will be playing two friendly matches in Cork, Ireland on April 15 and 17.
These matches will serve as preparation for the UEFA Under-19 Championship mini-tournament which will be played in Malta in November. Malta was drawn in Group 4 together with France, Ireland and Liechtenstein.
On the other hand, the Under-15 side, coached by Charles Scerri, will be taking part in a tournament which will be held in the Czech Republic in May.
- Six Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Marsaxlokk had four players suspended - Kevin Sammut, Renato Garcia Conceicao, Peter Pullicino and Cleavon Frendo. These are ruled out of the game gainst Floriana on Tuesday 11 March.
Hamrun Spartans defender Roderick Fenech and Valletta striker Ian Zammit were also banned for one match and will miss the clash Valletta vs Hamrun, also on Tuesday 11 March.
In Division 1, Mark Pullicino (St. Patrick) was suspended for two matches while Anatole Debono and Joseph Saliba (Qormi), Anthony Bonello (St. George's) and Arnold Buttigieg (St. Patrick) were banned for one match.
Kevin Naudi (Naxxar), Michael Ciappara (Birzebbuga), George Gribbon (Melita), Darren Galea (Rabat) and Garth Galea (Sirens) were suspended for one match in Division 2 while Joseph Mizzi (Kalkara) was handed a one-match ban in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Marsa's Alexander Cassar was suspended for eight months. Danny Scicluna (St. Patrick) was handed a two-match ban while Kyle Schembri, Jean Paul Mercieca and Wayne Hammet (Birzebbuga), Jamie Lee Portelli (Floriana), Owen Calleja (Mellieha), Nathaniel Farrugia (Sirens) and Dean Costa (Zejtun) were banned for one match.
Tue 26
- The Malta national amateur team will be facing regional selections from Israel, the Czech Republic and Wales in the UEFA Regions' Cup 2008/09. The draw was held in Nyon on Tuesday.
Malta was one of twelve countries in the Preliminary Round draw with the teams being divided into three groups. Malta was drawn in Group 2 with the mini-tournament being played in Israel sometime between August 1 and September 20.
Only Malta, San Marino and Liechtenstein will be fielding national selections, with the remaining competitors sending regional sides.
The winners of the three mini-tournaments of the Preliminary Round will qualify for one of the groups in the Intermediary Round. The winner of Group 2 moves on to Group 1 of the Central-West Section where they will be facing teams from Germany, Belgium and Northern Ireland.
This will be the sixth time Malta is being represented in the UEFA Regions' Cup. In 1999, Gozo took part in the tournament but in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, Malta was represented by the Malta amateur national team.
In the last edition of the competition, Malta suffered heavy defeats to teams representing Germany, Poland and Italy. The Polish team - Dolnoskaski eventually won the competition.
Mon 25
- Premier League Mqabba vs Msida SJ 2-1, Hibernians vs Hamrun S. 1-1
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Attard 0-3
- Third Division Section B Gharghur vs Kirkop U. 4-2
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Oratory Y. 5-2
Sun 24
- First Division Mosta vs Vittoriosa S. 2-1, Tarxien R. vs Marsa 4-0
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Sta. Venera L. 0-0, St. Andrews vs Rabat A. 0-1
- Third Division Section A Xghajra T. vs Qrendi 0-0
- Third Division Section B Kalkara vs Gozo 2-2
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Victoria H. 4-1
- Gozo - Second Division Munxar F. vs SK Victoria W. 1-2
Sat 23
- First Division Qormi vs St. Patrick 1-0, St. George's vs Senglea A. 0-4
Fri 22
- Premier League Floriana vs Birkirkara 0-0, Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 1-1
- Second Division Melita vs Sirens 5-0, Naxxar L. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-0
- Christian Muscat (Dingli) and Sandro Costa Brazilino (Mellieha) were banned for one match in Division 1 by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
James Galea (Sta. Venera) and Zurrieq players Francis Cassar, Daniel Zammit and Elton Camilleri were all banned for one match in Division 2.
Thu 21
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Nadur Y. 0-2
- The Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association provisionally suspended four players after these tested positive in doping tests which were carried out in December and January.
Three of the players tested positive after the BOV First Division match Tarxien Rainbows vs Mosta on January 2 - Gilbert Martin and Claude Carbonaro (Mosta) and Ryan Grech (Tarxien).
The other player who tested positive is Valletta FC midfielder Claude Mattocks. The test was carried out after the BOV Premier League match Hibernians vs Valletta on December 26. Mattocks asked for a reserve test and therefore his case will be only be heard after the result of the B sample is known.
After analysing the reports by the Medical Committee, the Control and Disciplinary Board will then decide on each case.
In Malta, doping tests are carried out at random at a number of matches ranging from the Premier League to the Third Division. In each particular test, four players - two from each team - are selected.
This season, seven doping tests were carried out so far.
These four positive cases bring the total to five positive tests so far this season as a player from Second Division side St. Andrews had tested positive in November and has been suspended.
While in most cases in past years, players tested positive after taking medicine without informing their club doctor or for using inhalers, there were also a number of cases which involved players making use of social drugs such as cannabis and cocaine.
- The Malta Football Association is currently analysing over thirty applications submitted by member clubs and associations with regards to requests for funding for the building or development of facilities.
Funds amounting to € 2,500,000 are being made available by the association through a UEFA programme meant for the building or development of facilities, for example artificial turf, floodlights and dressing rooms.
Two particular projects were given priority - namely floodlighting at the Hibernians Ground and a new artificial turf pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun. In fact, the floodlighting project at the Hibs Ground is at an advanced stage and the tenders are expected to be issued shortly.
Due to the large number of applications which were submitted, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that most probably the € 2.5 million will not be enough to cover all the projects and therefore the association will be getting a € 2 million loan in order to be able to help all clubs and associations.
Projects include the improvement of facilities at the Gozo Stadium and the Sannat Ground in Gozo as well.
Wed 20
- Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Discplinary Commissioner following the last round of matches from the BOV Premier League.
The three players are Floriana's Christian Caruana, Precious Monye of Hamrun Spartans and Njongo Priso of Msida St. Joseph.
Christian Caruana is ruled out of the game between Floriana and Birkirkara on Friday. Precious Monye will be missing the important clash between Hamrun and Hibernians while Priso will be unavailable for the game against Mqabba.
In Division 2, Emanuel Muscat of Rabat Ajax was banned for one match while Clint Borg (Mtarfa) and Dino Pace (Sta. Lucia) were suspended for one match in Division 3.
Hubert Gatt (Gzira), Bromwen Bugeja (Hibs), Wayne Pantalleresco (Marsaxlokk), Luke Fenech (Melita), Matthew Borda (San Gwann), Donald Buhagiar (Siggiewi), Jacob Micallef (St. George's) and Christ Scerri (Xghajra) were handed a one-match ban in the Youth League.
Meanwhile Daniel Theuma of First Division side Mosta was also banned for one match after being sent off during a friendly match.
- The next instructional meeting organized by the Malta Football Coaches Association is to be held on Monday 25th February, 2008 at 7.30 pm at the Juventus Supporters Club, Triq Madre Maria Teresa Spinelli, B'Kara.
For this meeting all member coaches, that is, UEFA 'A', MFA 'A', UEFA 'B', MFA 'B', UEFA 'C', MFA 'C', YDD and CYF can participate.
Please note that this instructional meeting was programmed for the 'C', YDD and CYF Coaches only, but it has been decided to invite the 'A' and 'B' licence coaches so that the meeting will replace the one postponed in January.
The lecturer for this instructional meeting will be Mr. Karl Depasquale, a physiotherapist, who will deliver a lecture on sports injuries and how to treat them.
Mon 18
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Floriana 2-1, Valletta vs Birkirkara 2-1
Sun 17
- First Division Senglea A. vs Tarxien R. 0-1, Mellieha vs Dingli S. 0-2
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs San Gwann 1-3, Mgarr U. vs Zurrieq 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Sannat L. 1-2, Ghajnsielem vs Kercem A. 3-2
Sat 16
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Hibernians 2-0, Sliema W. vs Pietà H. 2-1
- Second Division Rabat A. vs Lija A. 1-1, Sta. Venera L. vs Naxxar L. 1-0
Fri 15
- Third Division Section A Mtarfa vs Zebbug R. 2-3
- Third Division Section B Gudja U. vs Sta. Lucia 4-1
- Marsaxlokk forward Cleaven Frendo landed the first BOV Player of the Month award for 2008. This coincides the Southseasiders’ resurgence in their bid to retain the BOV Premier League title.
Charles Azzopardi, Manager for Marketing Communication at Bank of Valletta presented the winning trophy to Cleaven Frendo at BOV Centre in Sta, Venera.
Cleaven Frendo managed to shrug off a rather lean spell earlier in the season to emerge as one of his team’s kingpins in this crucial part of the BOV Premier League. January turned out to be a fresh page as he scored twice in Marsaxlokk’s 3-1 victory over Birkirkara, marking a return to form for both player and team.
Frendo added another personal accolade after scoring Malta’s winning goal against Iceland in the Malta International Football Tournament. His main assets are a high work-rate, speed off the mark and a hard right-footed shot which very often has beaten the opposing goalkeeper.
The Ursuline Creche was the charitable institution chosen by Frendo to benefit from the monthly donation associated with this award.
Thu 14
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Xaghra U. 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs St. Lawrence S. 2-0
Wed 13
- Malta climbed two places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking following the 1-0 win over Iceland and the two narrow defeats to Armenia and Belarus in the Malta International Tournament. Malta is now 134th.
Among the other European countries, Malta is still 48th. Just ahead of Malta is Kazakhstan (110, down 2), Liechtenstein (118), Azerbaijan (122, down 6) and Estonia (125, down 1). Lying behind Malta is Luxembourg (154, down 5), Montenegro (175, down 3), Andorra (180, down 5), Faroe Islands (195, down 2) and San Marino (198, down 1).
The next commitment for the national team is the friendly against Liechtenstein in programme on March 26. Malta then travels to Austria in May where Dusan Fitzel's side entertains EURO 2008 co-hosts Austria in a friendly match on the 30th.
- The Malta Football Association announced new dates for all matches which were due to be played between Friday 7th and Monday 10th March due to the General Election being held on Saturday 8th.
The BOV Third Division matches in programme on Friday 7 - Zebbug Rangers vs Ghaxaq and Gudja United vs Luqa St. Andrew's - have been anticipated to Monday 3rd March at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00.
The first two matches from the second phase of the BOV Premier League, due to be played on Saturday 8 will be played on Tuesday 11 March, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 at the National Stadium.
The BOV Second Division League matches, due to be played on Saturday 8 - Birzebbuga St. Peter's vs Zurrieq and Balzan Youths vs St. Andrews have been anticipated to Wednesday 5 at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00.
The third match from the BOV Premier League Championship Pool and the first match from the Relegation Pool, due to be played on Sunday 9, have been postponed to Wednesday 12 at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 20:00 and 18:00 respectively.
The BOV First Division League matches due to be played on Sunday 9 - Vittoriosa Stars vs Dingli Swallows and Tarxien Rainbows vs Mellieha, will be played on Thursday 13 at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively at the Centenary Stadium.
The BOV Second Division matches in programme on Sunday 9 - Sta. Venera L. vs San Gwann and Mgarr United vs Lija Athletic will be played on Tuesday 11 at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
The BOV Third Division League matches, scheduled for Sunday 9 - Attard vs Xghajra Tornados and Santa Lucia vs Kalkara, will be played on Tuesday 4 at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
The BOV Third Division League match Gozo vs Gharghur, which was due to be played on Sunday 9 will be played on Sunday 16 at the Gozo Stadium, kick-off at 13:00.
The BOV Third Division matches, due to be played on Monday 10, namely Mtarfa vs Fgura United and Mdina Knights vs Qrendi, will be played on Thursday 6 at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
- Third Division side Zejtun Corinthians had six players suspended following the incidents which took place at the end of the BOV Third Division Section A match against Fgura United. The game was abandoned on the 90th minute. Fgura were leading 2-1.
Ludvic Fardell was suspended for four matches and removed from captain for one year, till February 2009. Mario Farrugia and Elton Caruana were also banned for four matches. Norbert Gerada was suspended for two matches while Jean Paul Abela and Roderick Gafa were both handed a one-match ban. Fgura United's Clint Ellul was banned for two matches.
Eight Premier League players were handed a one-match ban after last weekend's matches.
Clifton Ciantar (Floriana), Rupert Mangion and Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun), Julio Alcorse (Marsaxlokk), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Paul Psaila (Mqabba), Svetlan Kondev (Pietŕ) and Andre Rocha Da Silva (Sliema) are therefore ruled out of the next game for their clubs.
Tyrone Farrugia will be missing the game between Msida and Hibs on Saturday. Kondev and Da Silva are ruled out of the clash between Sliema and Pietŕ also on programme on Sunday.
Clifton Ciantar, Rupert Mangion and Gaetan Spiteri are all out of the game between Hamrun and Floriana on Monday.
Julio Alcorse is ruled out of the game against Valletta on Friday 22 while Paul Psaila will be missing the clash between Mqabba and Msida on Monday 25.
Meanwhile Victor Fiteni (Dingli) and Ivan Borg (Marsa) were suspended for one match in Division 1. Marsa official David Pace was suspended for two matches.
Dennis Baldacchino (Birzebbuga), Michael Carter (Melita) and Joseph Mallia (Sirens) were banned for one match in Division 2 while Ian Sammut (Mdina) and Kurt Pisani (Gharghur) were suspended for one match in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Michael Zammit (Tarxien) was banned for one match and Daniel Scicluna (Kirkop) was suspended for two matches.
Tue 12
- The Malta Football Association announced a number of changes in fixtures from the BOV Premier League for the coming weeks.
The matches Hamrun Spartans vs Floriana and Valletta vs Birkirkara, due to be played on Sunday 17th, will now be played on Monday 18th February at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively at the National Stadium.
The matches scheduled for Saturday 23 - Floriana vs Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk vs Valletta have been anticipated to Friday 22nd February, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively at the National Stadium.
Mqabba vs Msida St. Joseph and Hibernians vs Hamrun Spartans, originally scheduled for Sunday 24 will now be played on Monday 25th at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
- Two football festivals for girls were organised by Hibernians and the Tarxien Rainbows Youth Nursery during the carnival holidays.
Hibernians organised a football festival for Under-14 and Under-16 girls. Taking part were Hibernians, Mgarr United and Marsa.
In the Under-16 category, Mgarr and Hibs both registered two wins over Marsa. Hibs and Mgarr shared the spoils in two draws in the two clashes between the two teams.
In the Under-14 category, Hibs and Mgarr defeated Marsa twice each. Hibs beat Mgarr 2-1 with the other clash between the two teams ending in a draw.
Meanwhile Hamrun Spartans, Pembroke Athleta, Marsa, Valletta and hosts Tarxien took part in the Tarxien Rainbows Nursery Girls' Under-13 Festival.
Pembroke registered four wins, placing ahead of Marsa with 6 points, Tarxien 5 points), Hamrun 4 points and Valletta 1 point.
Mon 11
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Zejtun C. 2-1 abandoned on the 90th
- Third Division Section B Luqa SA vs Gzira U. 0-3
- The Malta Football Association Technical Centre is organising another Coaching Young Footballers (CYF) course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre. This is being held over two days, the 15th and 16th March, 2008.
Application forms are available from the Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, during office hours and these are to be duly filled and returned together with a passport-size photo by not later than Tuesday 11th March 2008.
Since the number of participants is limited, applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Sun 10
- Premier League Floriana vs Msida SJ 2-3, Pietŕ H. vs Mqabba 5-0
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Qormi 1-2, St. Patrick vs St. George's 4-1
- Second Division Sirens vs St. Andrews 1-2, Birzebbuga SP vs Melita 2-3
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Siggiewi 4-0
- Third Division Section B Pembroke A. vs Gharghur 2-2
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Ghajnsielem 0-1, Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 1-0
Sat 9
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Hamrun S. 5-0, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 0-0
- First Division Marsa vs Mellieha 0-1, Dingli S. vs Mosta 0-2
- The Sliema Wanderers Youth Nursery's annual four-day football tournament came to an end with a presentation by Nursery chairman Tony Meli and special guest Victor Scerri, former chairman of the Sliema nursery.
Over 400 players between the ages of 10 and 13 took part in the tournament and all were given a photograph of their team as a memento of their participation.
Mr. Scerri remarked that in his childhood days there were no facilities and football was mostly played in the streets. Today with such excellent facilities being provided, young players should enjoy and practice their football skills much more. He recalled that because of the sudden death of Guzi Fava in 1991, he was asked to become the Sliema Nursery Chairman to continue the good work which was started by Mr. Fava. He appealed to all young players present to appreciate the work of the persons who organise such football events, namely administrators of nurseries, coaches and all helpers including the parents who go to great trouble to give their children such opportunities.
At the end of the presentation, Mr. Meli congratulated all the players as all games were keenly contested and also showed that there is a lot of talent and if they continue to practice their football skills and have the right attitude towards their Coaches they can have a bright future in football. The Sliema nursery chairman also remarked that only a few will ever make a living by playing football so they should give top priority to their education and continue enjoying and practicing football in their spare time.
Mr. Meli thanked all the Nurseries that participated, the Referees, the Youth F.A, the Sponsors and all those that helped an anyway to make this another successful sporting event. He also remarked that the Nursery will continue to commemorate the 25th Anniversary with other events throughout the year.
The teams that placed 1st in each age group were as follows:
Under-10 – San Gwann Y.N., Under-11 – Sliema WFC YN, Under-12 and Under-13 – Pietà Hotspurs.
Fri 8
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Balzan Y. 2-3, San Gwann vs Rabat A. 1-1
Thu 7
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Zebbug R. 6-0, Gharb R. vs Munxar F. 1-1
- BOV Premier League leaders Valletta were drawn to meet First Division side Tarxien Rainbows in the second round of the U*BET FA Trophy. The draw was held during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television on Thursday.
Floriana will be facing First Division leaders Senglea Athletic while Hamrun Spartans take on neighbours Pietŕ Hotspurs.
In the other second round match, Mqabba take on Dingli Swallows.
Second Round matches will be played on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March.
In the first round, Valletta defeated St. Patrick 4-0. Pietà Hotspurs beat St. George's by the odd goal in five - the same score with which Mqabba defeated Vittoriosa Stars.
Hamrun Spartans beat Mosta 2-0 while Floriana registered a most comfortable 7-1 win over Mellieha.
First Division side Senglea Athletic defeated Premier side Msida St. Joseph 4-3 after extra-time. In two clashes between Division 1 sides Tarxien Rainbows beat Qormi 5-1 while Dingli Swallows humiliated Marsa, beating them 7-0.
- Belarus coach Bernd Stange was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Malta national team in the game against Belarus.
"Malta will never qualify for a World Cup or European Championship but I am sure, Malta will make surprises," said Stange. He was speaking after the game between Malta and Belarus which brought to an end the Malta International Tournament with the trophy going to Belarus after a late goal gave them a 1-0 win.
The Belarus coach, who had already visited Malta in 1981 when he was a member of the East German squad which played in Malta in a World Cup qualifier, said "The Maltese players showed passion. Against strong teams, counter-attack is the way to play and Malta played it in an excellent manner. If you are also a bit lucky, you can score first and make things difficult for your opponents."
The Belarus coach thanked the Malta Football Association for giving his team the opportunity to take part in the tournament and for the possibility of training on natural grass. In fact in recent weeks, the team had to train in indoor stadiums due to weather in Belarus.
Meanwhile national coach Dusan Fitzel said that for him, it was no surprise that Belarus won the tournament.
"I knew they were the strongest side among the four teams in the tournament. Belarus played a fantastic game but we also contributed for the high level of the game," said Fitzel.
The Malta coach said he was satisfied with the performance of the new players in the squad, saying they showed good potential.
In fact, Fitzel made use of all the players at his disposal throughout the tournament. Gozitan midfielder Shaun Bajada of Birkirkara and Ryan Fenech of Hamrun Spartans made their national team debut.
In all, Fitzel used twenty-seven players, namely
goalkeepers Justin Haber, Andrew Hogg, Mario Muscat;
defenders Ian Azzopardi, Roderick Briffa, Luke Dimech, Josef Mifsud, Peter Pullicino, Brian Said, Stephen Wellman, Kenneth Scicluna, Aaron Xuereb;
midfielders Roderick Bajada, Shaun Bajada, Cleavon Frendo, George Mallia, Udo Nwoko, Jamie Pace, Kevin Sammut, Gareth Sciberras;
forwards Gilbert Agius, Etienne Barbara, Andrew Cohen, Ryan Fenech, Michael Mifsud, Ivan Woods.
"We can defend well and then counter-attack. However when we score first, we seem to suffer more as we are afraid to lose the lead," said the Malta national coach.
The next commitment for the national team is the friendly against Liechtenstein in programme on March 26. Malta then travels to Austria in May where Dusan Fitzel's side entertains EURO 2008 co-hosts Austria in a friendly match on the 30th.
Wed 6
- Malta International Tournament Iceland vs Armenia 2-0, Malta vs Belarus 0-1
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another instructional meeting at the Centenary Hall on Monday 18th February 2008.
This will be for holders of UEFA ‘A’ and UEFA ‘B’ and ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licence holders.
This meeting, planned to be a theoretical session, will commence at 17.30 hrs.
Tue 5
- The 14th edition of the Malta International Football Tournament comes to an end on Wednesday with the last two matches.
Armenia are the favourites to win the trophy after beating both Malta and Belarus. In fact following a 1-0 win over Malta on Saturday, they came from behind to beat Belarus 2-1 on Monday. Therefore a draw would be enough for Armenia to win the tournament.
Their opponents on Wednesday - Iceland, lost the two matches played so far. After losing 2-0 to Belarus, they lost 1-0 to Malta on Monday. On Wednesday, they welcome a number of foreign-based players who missed the first two matches and therefore, Iceland will aim at concluding its commitments in the tournament with a positive result.
Iceland vs Armenia, which kicks-off at 17:30, will be controlled by referee Joe Attard who will be assisted by Assistant Referees Konrad Borg and Edward Spiteri and Fourth Official Chris Lautier.
In the second game, Malta takes on Belarus.
After utilising no less than twenty-four players in the games against Armenia and Iceland, Malta coach Dusan Fitzel is expected to include at least another three players - namely Justin Haber, Udo Nwoko and Michael Mifsud. The only players missing from the squad for Wednesday's game are midfielder Andre Schembri, who is on a training camp with Eintracht Braunschweig, and Hibernians striker Terence Scerri, who is injured.
The full list of players at the disposal of Fitzel is therefore:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Haidari - GRE), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield - ENG), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixoes - POR), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Michael Mifsud (Coventry - ENG), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Belarus coach Bernd Stange is also expected to make changes in his team and is expected to include Arsenal midfielder Aleksandr Hleb who arrived in Malta on Monday.
Malta met Belarus three times. After a 1-1 draw in Belarus, Malta lost 0-2 at Ta' Qali in the EURO 96 qualifiers. The two teams met once again in the Malta International Tournament 2004. On that occasion, Belarus won 4-0 to claim the tournament.
The match, which kicks-off at 19:45, will be controlled by referee Ararat Tshagharyan from Armenia. He will be assisted by Assistant Referees Ingmar Spiteri and Mariano Debono and Fourth Official Magnus Porisson from Iceland.
Ticket prices are as follows:
North and South Stands - €5
Millennium Stand - €7
West Stand (Enclosure) - €10
Discounted tickets are available from Vodafone outlets at €5 for the Millennium Stand and €8 for the West Stand. These are available for current Vodafone clients or for other clients who present any label from any Coca-Cola product (1.5 litres and 0.5 litres plastic bottles).
Mon 4
- Malta International Tournament Belarus vs Armenia 1-2, Malta vs Iceland 1-0
- The Malta Under-21 side hosts Wales at the Hibs Ground on Tuesday in another match from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship, kick-off at 13:30.
The team's morale is high after Malta managed to collect their first three points in a 2-1 win over Bosnia Herzegovina in November. Three points which put Malta on level points with Bosnia, at the bottom of the table.
However Malta's task will be no easy one considering that Wales are coming from two fine wins - a 4-0 win over Bosnia and a 4-2 win over France. Wales defeated Malta 3-1 in Wrexham last October.
"Three months have passed since we played our last game. Against Bosnia, we had a great performance. Wales are a strong British team. They are not coming here for a party as they feel they can win the group. We now hope to spoil their party," said Under-21 coach Mark Miller.
"The objective is to get a positive result but it is very difficult. However I believe in my boys especially when they play at the Hibs Ground. If the players believe in themselves and play well, we can do it," concluded Miller.
Missing from the squad is Hibernians midfielder Edmond Agius who was banned for one match. Andrei Agius, who was set to return after missing the last game, is also set to miss this game after suffering an injury while playing for Igea Virtus. Goalkeeper Luke Woods is injured.
The Malta squad will be made up of:
goalkeepers Michael Falzon (Hamrun), Miguel Montfort (Pietŕ), Henry Bonello (Sliema);
defenders Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Ryan Camilleri (Pietŕ), Jonathan Caruana (Hibernians), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Tyron Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Mqabba), Edward Herrera (Pietŕ), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
midfielders Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Roderick Fenech (Hamrun), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Mintoff (Mqabba);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Tarxien), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
The Welsh squad is made up of players based mainly in the League Championship with a few also on the books of Premier League clubs.
The squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Rhys Taylor (Chelsea), Owain Fon Williams (Crewe);
defenders Darcy Blake (Cardiff), Joe Jacobson (Bristol Rovers), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City), Mike Williams (Wrexham), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough);
midfielders Joe Allen (Swansea), Jack Collison (West Ham), Andy King (Leicester), Shaun Macdonald (Swansea), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff), Neil Taylor (Wrexham), Jonathan Brown (Cardiff), Lloyd James (Southampton);
forwards Simn Church (Reading), Chedwyn Evans (Man City), Sam Vokes (Bournemouth).
The match will be controlled by officials from Luxembourg: referee Luc Wilmes, assistant referees Christian Holtgen and Francois Mangen and fourth official Paulo Reguina Vivas.
Sun 3
- First Division Dingli S. vs Qormi 2-0, St. Patrick vs Tarxien R. 1-1
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs Mgarr U. 2-1, Lija A. vs Sirens 4-0
- Third Division League Section B Gudja U. vs Gozo 1-2, Kirkop U. vs Kalkara 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 2-1, Oratory Y. vs Xewkija T. 1-3
- Following the narrow 0-1 defeat to Armenia, the Malta national team will be in action once again on Monday, hosting Iceland in Day 2 of the Malta International Tournament.
Lacking all foreign-based players and with a number of new, or relatively new, faces for the national team, Malta's performance against Armenia was far from impressive altough some of the newcomers like Shaun Bajada, Roderick Bajada and Etienne Barbara did quite well.
National caoch Dusan Fitzel is once again expected to make several changes. Justin Haber, Udo Nwoko and Michael Mifsud will only be available for Wednesday's game. Ryan Fenech, who was handed his debut on Saturday, now joins the Under-21 side for the game against Wales on Tuesday while Terence Scerri is ruled out injured.
This leaves Fitzel with the following players at his disposal:
goalkeepers Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Players like Ian Azzopardi, Josef Mifsud, Kevin Sammut and Jamie Pace, who were rested for the first game, will definitely be in the squad for Monday's game or even in the starting line-up. Andrew Hogg should replace Mario Muscat in goal.
After losing 2-0 to Belarus, Iceland will be eager to bounce back with a positive result, also considering that they have quite a good record in matches played against Malta. In fact, the two countries met twelve times with Malta winning twice, losing nine times and another match ending in a draw.
Iceland took part twice in the tournament, when it was known as the Rothmans Tournament, back in 1992 and 1994.
The players who will be at the disposal of coach Olafur Johannesson are:
Fjalar Thorgeirsson (Fylkir), Kjartan Sturluson (Valur), Stefán Logi Magnússon (KR), Helgi Sigurdsson (Valur), Tryggvi Gudmundsson (FH), Veigar Páll Gunnarsson (Stabćk IF), Bjarni Gudjónsson (ÍA), Stefán Gíslason (Brřndby IF), Hjálmar Jónsson (IFK Göteborg), Gunnar Heidar Thorvaldsson (Vĺlerenga IF), Ragnar Sigurdsson (IFK Göteborg), Baldur Ingimar Adalsteinsson (Valur), Matthías Gudmundsson (FH), Atli Sveinn Thórarinsson (Valur), Birkir Már Sćvarsson (Valur), Bjarni Ólafur Eiríksson (Valur), Theodór Elmar Bjarnason (FC Lyn Oslo), Davíd Thór Vidarsson (FH), Sverrir Gardarsson (FH), Aron Einar Gunnarsson (AZ Alkmaar), Bjarni Thór Vidarsson (Everton FC), Eyjólfur Hédinsson (GAIS), Jónas Gudni Sćvarsson (KR), Pálmi Rafn Pálmason (Valur).
The squad in fact has been strenghtened with the arrival of Veigar Páll Gunnarsson, Hjálmar Jónsson and Ragnar Sigurdsson, who missed the first game due to club commitments.
The match, which kicks-off at 19:45, will be controlled by referee Alexey Kulbakov from Belarus. He will be assisted by Assistant Referees Philip Agius and Joe Camilleri and Fourth Official Ararat Tshagharyan from Armenia.
Meanwhile in the second game, Belarus and Armenia both seek victory in order to take sole leadership in the table. Belarus kicked-off their commitments with a 2-0 win over Iceland while Armenia defeated Malta 1-0.
A win for either side would put that team in an excellent position to win the tournament. Belarus had already won the Malta International Tournament in 2004.
The two countries met twice international matches with Belarus winning 2-1 at home and sharing the spoils in a draw away from home in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
The match, which kicks-off at 17:30, will be controlled by referee Anton Zammit, who will be assisted by Assistant Referees Alan Camilleri and Charles Micallef and Fourth Official Joe Attard.
Ticket prices will be as follows:
North and South Stands - €5
Millennium Stand - €7
West Stand (Enclosure) - €10
The tournament will be sponsored by Coca-Cola and Vodafone. As part of their sponsorship, tickets for the tournament will be available at a discounted price from Vodafone outlets.
On the presentation of any label from any Coca-Cola product (1.5 litres and 0.5 litres plastic bottles) at any Vodafone outlet, one will get a discount on tickets for the Millennium Stand and West Stand as follows:
Millennium Stand - €5
West Stand - €8
The same discounts will be offered to current Vodafone clients who buy the tickets from the Vodafone outlets.
Sat 2
- Malta International Tournament Belarus vs Iceland 2-0, Malta vs Armenia 0-1
Fri 1
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Ghaxaq 2-1
- Third Division Section B Sta. Lucia vs Luqa SA 0-1
- The fourteenth edition of the Malta International Tournament gets underway on Saturday with the first two matches.
Malta hosts Armenia in the second game which kicks-off at 17:15 while Belarus take on Iceland in the first game, kick-off at 15:00. Both matches will be played at the National Stadium.
For Malta, this will be the first outing after the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign in which a record number of five points collected were not enough to spare Dusan Fitzel's side the bottom place.
The national coach will be taking this opportunity to try all the players at his disposal as the team starts its preparation ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in which Malta will face Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary and Albania.
With Justin Haber, Luke Dimech, Udo Nwoko and Michael Mifsud only travelling to Malta on Sunday or Monday, Fitzel will be fielding a team made up of players all based locally.
The full list of players at his disposal is made up:
goalkeepers Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
For Armenia, this will be the second time they are visiting Malta after winning 1-0 a friendly match at Ta' Qali last September. The two teams had also met in Yerevan in July 1994 with Armenia registering another 1-0 win.
Armenia have just appointed a new coach, Jan Poulsen. Poulsen, who had coached Singapore and the Jordan Under-20 side, replaces Tom Jones, who was sacked following Armenia's poor UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying campaign. Jones took over as Armenia's caretaker coach midway through last year after the death of fellow Briton Ian Porterfield.
They ended second from bottom in Group 1 with nine points from twelve matches, beating Kazakhstan 2-1 away from home and Poland 1-0, claiming another three points in draws with Finland, Portugal and Serbia. They have been now been drawn in Group 5 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia and Estonia.
They are currently ranked 85th in the FIFA World Ranking.
The Armenian squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Roman Berezovski (Khimki, Russia), Grigor Meliksetyan (Pyunik), Mayis Azizyan (Ulysses);
defenders Robert Arzumanyan (Randers, Denmark), Karen Dokhoyan (Pyunik), Aleksandr Tadevosyan (Vitebsk, Belarus), Aghvan Mkrtchyan (Gomel, Belarus), Hovhannes Grigoryan (Banants);
midfielders Ararat Arakelyan (Banants), Levon Pachajyan (GAIS, Sweden), Artur Voskanyan (Vitebsk, Belarus), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Pyunik), Romik Khachatryan (APOP Kinyras, Cyprus), Artavazd Karamyan (Politechnica Timisoara, Romania), Karen Aleksanyan (Banants)
Artur Edigaryan (Pyunik), Karlen Mkrtchyan (Pyunik), Vahagn Minasyan (Ararat), Norayr Sahakyan (Pyunik);
forwards Gevorg Ghazaryan (Pyunik), Samvel Melkonyan (Banants), Ara Hakobyan (Zimbru, Moldova).
The game will be controlled by referee Magnus Porisson from Iceland. He will be assisted by assistant referees Konrad Borg and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Alexey Kulbakov from Belarus.
Meanwhile in the first game, Belarus take on Iceland.
Belarus placed fourth in Group G of the EURO 2008 qualifiers, collecting 13 points from twelve matches, including wins over Slovenia, Albania, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. They are ranked 62nd in the FIFA World Ranking.
They took part in the Malta International Tournament in 2004, winning the tournament ahead of Estonia, Malta and Moldova.
The full squad at the disposal of head coach Bernd Stange is made up of:
goalkeepers Yuri Zhevnov, Vasili Khomutovski;
defenders Sergei Omelyanchuk, Yegor Filipenko, Roman Kirenkin, Pavel Plaskonny, Kiryl Pavlyuchek;
midfielders Aleksei Skverniuk, Vladimir Korythko, Aleksandr Hleb, Aleksandr Kulchiy, Maksim Romashchenko, Nikolai Kashevski, Igor Stasevich;
forwards Vitali Kutuzov, Vitali Bulyga, Sergei Kornilenko, Vitali Rodionov.
Iceland placed sixth in Group F, collecting eight points - two wins over Northern Ireland and two draws with Spain and Liechtenstein. Following the departure of Eyjólfur Sverrisson, Ólafur Jóhannesson has been appointed the new coach of Iceland. In his first game as new coach, Iceland lost 0-3 to Denmark.
Iceland are currently ranked 87th.
The players available for selection for Saturday's game are:
Goalkeepers: Fjalar Thorgeirsson (Fylkir), Kjartan Sturluson (Valur), Stefan Logi Magnusson (KR).
Defenders: Atli Sveinn Thorarinsson (Valur), Birkir Mar Saevarsson (Valur), Bjarni Olafur Eiriksson (Valur), Sverrir Gardarsson (FH).
Midfielders: Bjarni Gudjonsson (IA), Stefan Gislason (Brondby), Baldur Ingimar Adalsteinsson (Valur), Theodor Elmar Bjarnason (Lyn Oslo), David Thor Vidarsson (FH), Aron Einar Gunnarsson (AZ Alkmaar), Bjarni Thor Vidarsson (Everton), Eyjolfur Hedinsson (GAIS), Jonas Gudni Saevarsson (KR), Palmi Rafn Palmason (Valur).
Forwards: Helgi Sigurdsson (Valur), Tryggvi Gudmundsson (FH), Gunnar Heidar Thorvaldsson (Valerenga), Matthias Gudmundsson (FH).
The game will be controlled by referee Chris Lautier, who will be assisted by assistant referees Philip Agius and Ingmar Spiteri and fourth official Marco Borg.
Ticket prices for the tournament will be:
North and South Stands - One-day ticket €5; Three-day ticket €10
Millennium Stand - One-day ticket €7; Three-day ticket €15
West Stand (Enclosure) - One-day ticket €10; Three-day ticket €25
Tickets can be purchased from the following outlets:
TeamSport – Iklin & Sliema; Geraldu Kiosk, Valletta; Eros Stationery, Paceville; all Vodafone outlets; Gym at Millennium Stand, Ta’ Qali and Star Tourism, Bugibba.
The tournament will be sponsored by Coca-Cola and Vodafone. As part of their sponsorship, tickets for the tournament will be available at a discounted price from Vodafone outlets.
On the presentation of any label from any Coca-Cola product (1.5 litres and 0.5 litres plastic bottles) at any Vodafone outlet, one will get a discount on tickets for the Millennium Stand and West Stand as follows:
Millennium Stand - One-day ticket €5; Three-day ticket €12
West Stand - One-day ticket €8; Three-day ticket €20.
The same discounts will be offered to current Vodafone clients who buy the tickets from the Vodafone outlets.
An Official Souvenir Programme with information about the four teams will be on sale for € 2.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another UEFA ‘B’ Diploma Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre.
The course will be in two phases:
Phase 1 - From Saturday 29th March to Sunday 6th April 2008, both days included.
Phase 2 – From Monday 28th April to Sunday 4th May 2008, both days included.
Before participation is approved, applicants will have to undergo a Pre-Assessment Test on Thursday 13th March 2008.
Application forms are available from the Technical Centre at Ta’ Qali during office hours.
A passport-size photo, a photocopy of the last coaching certificate (CCC Certificate) a CV of coaching experience, a signed certificate by current club/nursery employing the applicant and a medical certificate are also required.
Former and current national team players with 25 caps in the last ten years are also eligible.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Closing date for applications will be Monday 10th March 2008.