To make life difficult for Scotland
against bigger nations and have made it difficult for countries like Italy and Croatia.
“Scotland have a lot of pressure on them to do well in this campaign, so it’s going to be a different game to Birkirkara against Hearts.
“We have a very decent squad, we do our best to make it hard for our opponents – especially when we play at home – and I’m sure we will give Scotland a decent fight.”
Meanwhile, Malta’s mostvociferous fans are uniting to create an intimidating cauldron at next Sunday’s World Cup clash with Scotland after a concerted recruitment campaign.
Louis Agius, who is the coordinator of the national team supporters’ group The South End Core, has appealed to fierce rivals to join forces to make life tough for Gordon Strachan’s side.
Aguis has been using social media to get the message out there, encouraging fans to set aside their differences at club level to give the best possible backing to Pietro Ghedin’s side at the Ta’ Qali Stadium on September 4.
He has reached out to various groups including the Paola Boys Hibs Ultras, the Birkirkara Ultras ’97, Sliema Ultras 09, Valletta Supporters Club, Hamrun Spartans Supporters Club, Tarxien Rainbows Ultras and Balzan Supporters Club.
The 39-year-old, who works in real estate, is desperate that Malta sell out their 12,000 tickets to drown out the Tartan Army who will have more than 4000 in Valletta.
He has been using the banner “They are brave, we have hearts” to try to drum up big support for what is a vital opening qualifier for the Scots in a tough group which, of course, also features England.
Agius said: “The South End Core faces an arduous task to make the home factor count.
“We need the Maltese to rally behind our team, we need to create the vibrant atmosphere. There are two matches being played, one in the pitch and one on the stands, together we can win both!”
The Maltese fans were criticised by the Italian media three years ago for concerted abuse of Mario Balotelli in a World Cup qualifier.
The former Manchester City striker scored both goals in a 2-0 win but the Italians claimed racist chants were aimed at the striker as well as continual boos and jeers.