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Hermans backs Malta to raise game against N. Ireland

Published: 25-10-2018 12:40
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The Malta futsal team are in the final stages of their preparations for the double friendly commitment against Northern Ireland at the National School of Sport this Friday and Saturday.  The players in the Maltese squad have been training regularly this week under the guidance of Dutch coach Vic Hermans and his assistant Zeljko Anicic. Speaking to www.mfa.com.mt, coach Hermans emphasised the importance of these two friendlies ahead of a busy start to 2019 for the Malta futsal team. “Compared to the Netherlands friendlies in September, I feel the team is better prepared and with the Valletta players back after their European commitments in Macedonia, I’m optimistic that our players will give a very good account of themselves,” Hermans said. “With the domestic league now underway, the players’ physical condition has improved. We must use our training sessions to focus on tactical organisation and discipline, and prepare mentally as well. “We play against Northern Ireland again in January, the final two friendly matches leading to our FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in March. Thus, we must keep building our momentum and prepare ourselves for the tough competition coming up.” Hermans is also working to rope more youngsters into the national team set-up as this is crucial for the future of futsal in Malta. “I called some young promising players for the national team,” Hermans said. “I hope that they pass on the message to other young players to keep taking futsal seriously and work harder… if they do so, the opportunity to play for the national team will surely materialise.” Luxol player Matthew Attard is back in the squad after recovering from injuries. “I’m delighted to be back in the national team’s fold after a year out with injury,” Attard said.“We have a new team, everyone is taking training seriously but now we must hit the ground running, show resilience, and hope for a positive performance and results in these two friendlies against Northern Ireland." Malta futsal captain Mark Zammit said: “Despite the result, the friendlies against the Netherlands last month helped us gain experience. “Now we are playing against a team whose level is, more or less, similar to ours. “It’s still going to be tough but if we keep our concentration levels high, we can attain some positive results in this double friendly fixture.” The futsal friendlies between Malta and Northern Ireland take place on Friday and Saturday at the National School of Sport, kicking off at 18.30.