Big day for Malta

The England national football team returns to Malta for a competitive match for the first time in 46 years.

That 1971 game at the Gżira stadium, labelled as the match of the century, remains anchored in the memory of the older generations. It was a time when there was a thirst for such occasions, and football on television, especially live broadcasts, were in their primitive stages.

Malta had then lost 1-0 in the Euro 72 qualifying stages, a creditable result against a mighty English side which included a number of players who had been crowned world champions five years earlier.

Football has changed completely since then, not least the move from the hard surface at Gżira, which made things more difficult for the English side in 1971 to the turfed ground at the Ta’ Qali national stadium. But the distance – at least on paper – between the two sides remains huge.

England are currently in 13th place in the FIFA rankings, with Malta languishing in the 190th position, only one place better than the worst 191st position Malta held in July.

Needless to say, the Maltese national football team is passing through a rough patch. It has picked up defeat after defeat in competitive matches. In this World Cup 2018 qualifying stage, Malta has so far registered six defeats from six games. The scores are less humiliating than on several occasions in the past, but losses are always losses, and in spite of the efforts made over many years, the level of Maltese football in the international arena remains low.

England have their own issues with the national team, as since that 1966 World Cup victory the much-acclaimed side made up of players who mostly compete in the most lucrative football league on the planet have failed to repeat the feat, very often not getting anywhere near.

England are close to at least making it to the finals, to be held next year. At present they lead the qualifying group with a two-point advantage over Slovakia. The fact that from each group only one team qualifies automatically for the World Cup finals makes it imperative for England to notch another win this evening.

Naturally, England start as favourites to pick another victory against Malta to consolidate their position. But we are sure that the boys in red will give it their all at Ta’ Qali stadium. And they will need all the support they can get. The stadium is expected to accommodate one of the largest crowds, and in spite of a massive presence from England, it is hoped that the Maltese supporters will make their voices heard all throughout the 90 minutes.

Football is that kind of sport that, sometimes, brings about surprise results. Maybe tonight will be one such occasion. If this does not happen, let’s hope that the Maltese lads will still make the country proud.