Malta U-19 girls braced for stern challenge in Croatia

The Malta Under-19 women’s national team will travel to Croatia on Saturday ahead of their participation in the 2019 UEFA Women’s U-19 European Championship qualifiers, between October 1 and 7.  The Maltese girls, led by coach Frank Schembri, have been drawn in Group 1 along with hosts Croatia, Slovakia and England. They begin their tournament commitments against England, on Monday, October 1, at the SRP Trate Nedelisce (kick-off: 11am). The second match is against Slovakia on Thursday, October 4, at the Gradski Stadion NK Podravina Ludberg (kick-off: 11am) before the Maltese girls wrap up their group games against Croatia at the same venue on Sunday, October 7 (kick-off: 11am). Despite the stern test awaiting the Maltese squad, coach Schembri is confident that this tournament will be a fruitful and enriching experience for his girls, particularly when facing the likes of England, winners of this tournament once, in 2009, and runners-up on three occasions. “This is going to be a massive experience for our players,” Schembri said in comments to www.mfa.com.mt. “The quality and strength of our opponents is very high. We have prepared well but we have been hit hard by injuries as a number of players from this age group are currently sidelined.” Schembri declared himself pleased with the work ethic shown by his players during their preparations for this tournament. He is hopeful that this tournament will help them develop into better players. “There is great enthusiasm in the squad and hopefully, this tournament will provide a solid foundation for our players’ future in the senior team,” the Malta Under-19 women’s coach explained. “Preparing for games against the likes of England is exciting for everyone. Of course, this also brings pressure on our girls which is a concern. “This can affect the performance of some players and we’re trying to lift this pressure and ensure that our girls go into this tournament in the right frame of mind. “It’s not easy. Players must view these matches as a great opportunity to play the game they love at the highest level and work hard to secure or consolidate their place in the senior squad.” The top two sides in every group plus the two-third placed teams with the best record against the top two in their section join Spain and France in the elite round. Seven countries will eventually qualify, joining hosts Scotland in the finals. The finals will act as UEFA's qualifier for the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.MALTA U-19 WOMEN’S SQUAD GOALKEEPERSPatricia Ebejer (Mġarr United); Jodie Attard (Hibernians). DEFENDERSChloe Ann Ellul, Jessica Lee Dimech, Leanne Cefai (all Hibernians); Valentina Rapa (Gozo); Cherise Zammit, Rohanne Zahra (Raiders Luxol), Nicole Zammit (Birkirkara); Nicole Sciberras (Grifone Gialloverde). MIDFIELDERSCeleste Grech (Swieqi United); Angelique Schembri, Maia Debono (Mġarr United); Kayleigh Chetcuti (Hibernians); Michela Bonello Ghio (Raiders); Samantha Zarb, Sarah Urpani (Birkirkara); Jana Barbara (SGS Essen). FORWARDSDemi Magrin (Kirkop United); Maria Farrugia (Gozo).