Malta national football team

 Malta
Nickname(s) Knights of Malta, Ħomor (Reds), Falcons
Association Malta Football Association
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Pietro Ghedin
Captain Michael Mifsud
Most caps David Carabott (122)
Top scorer Michael Mifsud (39)
Home stadium Ta' Qali Stadium
FIFA code MLT
FIFA ranking 149 Decrease 4 (9 April 2015)
Highest FIFA ranking 66 (September 1994, September 1995)
Lowest FIFA ranking 173 (July 2011)
Elo ranking 159 (31 March 2015)
Highest Elo ranking 98 (February 1992)
Lowest Elo ranking 164 (October 2001)
First colours
Second colours
First international
 Malta 2–3 Austria 
(Gżira, Malta; February 24, 1957)
Biggest win
 Malta 7–1 Liechtenstein 
(Ta' Qali, Malta; March 26, 2008)
Biggest defeat
 Spain 12–1 Malta 
(Seville, Spain; December 21, 1983)

The Malta national football team represents Malta in international football and is controlled by the Malta Football Association. Malta played its first international game on 24 February 1957 against Austria, and began competing for qualification to major tournaments in 1962. The side's first competitive victory arrived in 1975 against Greece. Considered to be one of the weaker sides in Europe, Malta has never made it to the finals of any major international competition. They have however never ranked at the bottom of the FIFA World Rankings, while getting as high as 66th in the top 100.

History

Malta played its first international game on 24 February 1957 at the Empire Stadium, losing 2–3 to Austria. That match was played in front of a capacity crowd at the old Empire Stadium. The Malta Football Association joined FIFA in 1959 and UEFA a year later. The international side first competed in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA European Nations Cup in 1962, and in FIFA World Cup qualification in 1971.[1]

Malta's first competitive draw ended 1–1 against Greece in 1970. Malta's first two competitive wins were victories of 2–0 and 2–1 at home to Greece and Iceland in European Championship qualifiers in 1975 and 1982 respectively. In 1979, Malta drew 0–0 with West Germany in a European championship qualifier and they met again on 16 December 1984 for a memorable World Cup Qualifier in front of a record attendance at the Ta'Qali stadium, where the 1982 & eventual 1986 World Cup runners-up only managed a 2-3 win. Another prestigious result was achieved in March 1987 when Malta drew 2-2 in Portugal, in a qualifier for Euro'88 and the side also twice drew against Hungary during the qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and recorded four friendly wins during 1991 and 1992.[2]

Malta's third competitive win came with a 1–0 victory away to Estonia in a 1993 World Cup qualifier in which Kris Laferla scored.[3] In October 1994 Malta held Czech Republic 0-0 in a qualifier for the Euro'96, in which the latter ended runners-up. Six years later, in October 2000 in a group qualifying match for the 2002 World Cup, once again Malta managed another 0-0 draw vs Czech Republic which eventually cost the latter a place at the following major tournament. Through November 2001 and May 2002 Malta played and remained undefeated in 6 international matches and in between they won the locally hosted (Rothmans) International Tournament. During 2005, Malta drew 1–1 against Croatia and Bulgaria. Another positive result was the 1–1 home draw in a friendly match against Northern Ireland. On 11 October 2006, Malta managed another competitive victory, a 2–1 triumph over Hungary in the European Championship qualifying with Andre Schembri scoring twice.[3]

On 7 February 2007, Malta drew 1–1 with one of the hosts of Euro 2008, Austria. The game was played to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first international match played by the Maltese national team.[4] On 8 September 2007 Malta managed another draw against Turkey in a Euro 2008 qualifying match, the game finishing 2–2.[5] On 26 March 2008, Malta achieved its largest ever victory, a 7–1 defeat of Liechtenstein in a friendly at the Ta' Qali Stadium, with Michael Mifsud scoring five goals.[6] A 2–0 friendly win over Georgia followed in 2009.[7]

In May 2010, sponsorship of the Maltese national side was taken on by sportswear firm Givova, who also designed a range of new kits for the team.[8] One month later, however, the side had fallen to their lowest ever FIFA world ranking position, of 169th in the world.[7] In 2009, Malta had a 0–0 draw with Albania at home. This was their only point for the 2010 World Cup qualifying. On 11 August 2010 Malta drew 1–1 at home against FYR Macedonia in a European Championship qualifying game, with Michael Mifsud scoring a brilliant diving header for Malta.[9]

In February 2011 the side achieved a 0–0 draw against Switzerland, in which goalkeeper Justin Haber saved two penalties.[7] Mifsud scored twice on 10 August 2011, when Malta beat the Central African Republic 2–1 at home.[10] On 6 September 2011, Malta won their first Euro 2012 qualifying point, with a 1–1 draw against Georgia. During the years of 2010 and 2011, Malta did not get many positive results, and coach John Buttigieg and assistant coach Carmel Busittil were both sacked in October 2011.[11] Malta has been drawn in a group with Italy, Denmark, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Armenia for qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In their match vs Armenia in June 2013, Malta claimed their first world cup qualifying win in 20 years, nabbing a 1-0 victory. Michael Mifsud scored the all important goal for Malta.

Recent results and upcoming fixtures

2012

2013

2014

2015

Players

Current squad

The following players were named for the Friendly match against Georgia and for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Azerbaijan on 28 March 2015.
Caps and goals are correct as of 28 March 2015 after the match against Azerbaijan.

# Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
GK Justin Haber 9 June 1981 48 0 Malta Birkirkara
GK Andrew Hogg 2 March 1985 40 0 Greece Kalloni Lekanopedio
GK Henry Bonello 13 October 1988 1 0 Malta Hibernians Paola
GK Glen Zammit 5 August 1987 0 0 Malta Sliema Wanderers
DF Andrei Agius 12 August 1986 48 1 Malta Hibernians Paola
DF Clayton Failla 8 January 1986 39 2 Malta Hibernians Paola
DF Jonathan Caruana 24 July 1986 36 2 Malta Valletta
DF Ryan Camilleri 22 May 1988 20 0 Malta Valletta
DF Steve Borg 15 May 1988 13 0 Malta Valletta
DF Steve Bezzina 5 January 1987 9 0 Malta Balzan
DF Zach Muscat 22 August 1993 8 0 Malta Birkirkara
DF Ryan Camenzuli 8 September 1994 1 0 Malta Birkirkara
DF Jurgen Pisani 19 March 1992 0 0 Malta Pietà Hotspurs
MF Roderick Briffa 24 August 1981 82 1 Malta Valletta
MF Ryan Fenech 20 April 1986 40 1 Malta Valletta
MF Paul Fenech 20 December 1986 27 0 Malta Birkirkara
MF Rowen Muscat 15 June 1991 16 0 Malta Birkirkara
MF Bjorn Kristensen 5 April 1993 6 0 Malta Hibernians Paola
MF Mark Scerri 16 January 1990 3 0 Malta Sliema Wanderers
MF Steve Pisani 7 August 1992 1 0 Malta Floriana
MF Conor Borg 13 May 1997 0 0 Malta Floriana
FW André Schembri 27 May 1986 64 3 Cyprus AC Omonia Nicosia
FW Andrew Cohen 13 May 1981 61 1 Malta Hibernians Paola
FW Jean Paul Farrugia 21 March 1992 3 0 Malta Hibernians Paola
FW Alfred Effiong 29 November 1984 2 0 Malta Qormi
FW Joseph Mbong 15 July 1997 0 0 Malta Hibernians Paola

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to the Maltese squad within the last 4 years.(retired players will not appear in this following line up)

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Nicky Vella 27 August 1989 0 0 Malta Valletta v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
GK Steve Sultana 7 September 1990 0 0 Malta Balzan v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
DF Clifford Baldacchino 9 February 1988 2 0 Malta Sliema Wanderers v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
DF Justin Grioli 20 September 1987 1 0 Malta Balzan v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
DF Owen Bugeja 9 February 1988 0 0 Malta Tarxien Rainbows v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
DF Edward Herrera 14 November 1986 17 1 Malta Birkirkara v.  Italy, 13 October 2014
DF Alex Muscat 14 December 1984 24 0 Malta Sliema Wanderers v.  Gibraltar, 4 June 2014
DF Ismael Grech 26 September 1991 0 0 Malta Mosta v.  Gibraltar, 4 June 2014 (preliminary)
MF Ryan Scicluna 30 July 1993 2 0 Malta Birkirkara v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
MF John Mintoff 23 August 1988 8 0 Malta Sliema Wanderers v.  Italy, 13 October 2014
MF Lui Cremona 7 May 1995 0 0 Malta Valletta v.  Italy, 13 October 2014
MF Shaun Bajada 19 August 1983 34 0 Malta Valletta v.  Gibraltar, 4 June 2014
FW Terence Vella 20 April 1990 11 0 Malta Naxxar Lions v.  Bulgaria, 16 November 2014
FW Michael Mifsud (captain) 17 April 1981 108 39 Malta Sliema Wanderers v.  Italy, 13 October 2014
FW Alfred Effiong 29 November 1984 2 0 Malta Qormi v.  Azerbaijan, 28 March 2015

Records

As of 16 November 2014[12]

Most Caps

Players with an equal number of caps are ranked in chronological order of reaching the milestone.

# Player Career Caps Goals
1 David Carabott 1987–2005 121 12
2 Gilbert Agius 1993–2008 119 8
3 Carmel Busuttil 1982–2001 111 23
4 Michael Mifsud 2000– 108 39
5 Joe Brincat 1988–2004 101 6
6 John Buttigieg 1984–2000 97 1
7 Brian Said 1996–2009 91 5
8 Silvio Vella 1988–2000 90 1
9 Roderick Briffa 2003– 81 1
10 Luke Dimech 1999–2013 79 1

Top Scorers

Goalscorers with an equal number of goals are ranked by their goal average.

# Player Career Goals Caps
1 Michael Mifsud 2000– 39 108
2 Carmel Busuttil 1982–2001 23 111
3 David Carabott 1987–2005 12 121
4 Hubert Suda 1988–2003 8 70
Gilbert Agius 1993–2008 8 119
6 Raymond Xuereb 1971–1985 6 43
Kristian Laferla 1986–1998 6 65
Joe Brincat 1988–2004 6 101
9 George Mallia 1999–2008 5 63
Brian Said 1996–2009 5 91

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1970 Did not enter
1974 to 2014 Did not qualify
Russia 2018 To be determined
Qatar 2022
Total 0/20

UEFA European Football Championship

FIFA World Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Did not enter
Spain 1964 Did not qualify
Italy 1968 Did not enter
1972 to 2012 Did not qualify
France 2016 To be determined
European Union 2020
Total 0/20

All-time team record

Managers

As of May 1, 2015
Manager Malta career Played Won Drawn Lost Win %
Malta Joe A. Griffiths 1957–1961 6 2 2 2 33.3
Malta Carm Borg 1961–1964 9 0 2 7 0.0
Hungary Janos Bedl 1966 2 2 0 0 100.0
Malta Tony Formosa[decimal 1] 1966 10 1 1 8 10.0
Malta Joseph Attard 1969 1 0 0 1 0.0
Malta Saviour Cuschieri 1970 1 0 1 0 0.0
Malta Victor Scerri 1973 2 1 0 1 50.0
Italy Terrenzio Polverini 1974–1976 9 1 2 6 11.1
Malta John Calleja 1976–1978 11 2 1 8 18.2
Malta Victor Scerri 1978–1983 26 3 3 20 11.5
Bulgaria Guentcho Dobrev 1984–1987 21 1 4 16 4.8
Malta Horst Heese 1988–1991 36 3 8 25 8.3
Malta Pippo Psaila 1991–1993 17 5 4 8 29.4
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Nikola Bokun 1993 4 1 0 3 25.0
Italy Pietro Ghedin 1993–1995 24 4 5 15 16.7
Malta Robert Gatt 1996 3 0 1 2 0.0
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Milorad Kosanović 1996–1997 15 0 2 13 0.0
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Josif Ilić 1997–2001 41 5 4 32 12.2
Germany Sigfried Held 2001–2003 21 4 5 12 19.0
Germany Horst Heese[decimal 2] 2003–2006 15 1 2 12 6.7
Czech Republic Dušan Fitzel[decimal 2] 2006–2009 34 3 4 27 8.8
Malta John Buttigieg[decimal 2] 2009–2011 21 2 3 16 9.5
Malta Robert Gatt[decimal 3] 2012 1 1 0 0 100.0
Italy Pietro Ghedin 2012–Present 25 5 2 18 20.0
  1. ↑ 1 match with Janos Bedl
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 assisted by Carmel Busuttil
  3. ↑ managed the team on a one-off basis as caretaker manager

FIFA ranking

Rank Date
Worst Ever Rank 173[7] July 2011
Best Ever Rank 66 (twice) September 1994, September 1995
Current Rank 149 [13] May 2015

Coaching Staff

Head coach Pietro Ghedin

Ass Coach Silvio Vella

Goalkeepers Coach Charles Sciberras

Physical trainer Luca Pagani

References

  1. ↑ "History of the Malta Football Association". Malta Football Association. Retrieved 28 July 2011.
  2. ↑ "Malta's International 'A' Matches". Malta Football Association. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Brincat, Henry (15 October 2006). "Malta 2–1 Hungary". The Malta Independent.
  4. ↑ "Malta to play Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria on 30 May". The Malta Independent. 22 December 2007.
  5. ↑ Huggins, Trevor (9 September 2007). "England notch easy win against Israel". Reuters UK.
  6. ↑ "Five-goal Mifsud inspires Malta to massive win". The Times of Malta. 27 March 2008.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Malta make ground from Swiss denial". fifa.com. 7 April 2011.
  8. ↑ "High-profile friendly a useful test - Buttigieg". The Times of Malta. 11 May 2010.
  9. ↑ "Malta-Maceddonia draw 1–1". The Times of Malta. 11 August 2010.
  10. ↑ Grech, Kevin (10 August 2011). "Mifsud the hero as Malta defeat Central African Republic". maltatoday.com.
  11. ↑ "Malta fires national coach John Buttigieg". ESPN. 26 October 2011.
  12. ↑ Roberto Mamrud. "Malta - Record International Players". RSSSF. Retrieved 2014-06-08.
  13. ↑ "FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". fifa.com. Retrieved 21 September 2011.

External links

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