Malta U-21s target bold showing in tough Sweden qualifier

The Malta U-21 team resume their UEFA U-21 Championship qualifying campaign with a stern test against Group 6 hopefuls Sweden at Helsingborg’s Olympia Stadium on Tuesday evening (kick-off 18.45). Silvio Vella, the Malta U-21 coach, has taken an 18-man squad for the qualifier against Sweden, the 2015 European U-21 champions. Sweden have four points after following up their 4-1 home win over Cyprus with a 1-1 draw against Belgium last week. Malta have no points after losing their opening three qualifiers away to Belgium, Cyprus and Hungary with an identical 2-1 scoreline. In last month’s matches against Cyprus and Hungary, Malta were unfortunate to lose after conceding last-minute goals. “We were unfortunate to lose the first three games in the manner we did but I’m satisfied with the team’s performances, also considering that we were playing away from home and that is not easy,” Vella said. “Obviously, we are very disappointed that we haven’t obtained at least two points on the road but I’m confident that the team will bounce back. “The important thing is to remain positive and continue on the path we have taken as this will lead to positive results and further development of our players.” In today’s other Group 6 matches, Cyprus host Belgium and Turkey face Belgium. Cyprus lead the way with six points from three games, one ahead of Belgium and two clear of Sweden who have played a game less. Hungary have three points from one match, Turkey one from two and Malta no points from three matches. MALTA U-21 SQUAD Goalkeepers: Jake Galea (Ħamrun Spartans); Philip Schranz (Birkirkara).Defenders: Jean Borg (Valletta); James Baldacchino (Floriana); Karl Micallef (Ħamrun Spartans); Dunstan Vella (Hibernians); Kurt Zammit (Birkirkara).Midfielders: Myles Beerman (Glasgow Rangers); Dexter Xuereb (Mosta); Juan Corbalan (Gżira United); Jake Grech (Birkirkara|); Matthew Guillaumier (Birkirkara); Zachary Scerri (Gżira United); Neil Tabone (Żejtun Corinthians).Forwards: Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians); Aidan Friggieri (St Andrews); Joseph Mbong (Hibernians); Kyrian Nwoko (Valletta).