Malta squad arrives in Oslo ahead of Norway qualifier

The Malta squad has arrived in Oslo ahead of their EURO 2020 Group F qualifier against Norway at the Ullevaal Stadium on Thursday (kick-off 20.45). This will be Malta’s fifth fixture in the current qualifying campaign with the national team having collected three points from their opening four matches. Norway have five points. Ray Farrugia, the Malta coach, has brought a squad of 23 players for this double away header as the Norway qualifier precedes the match against Romania in Ploiesti on Sunday. Zach Muscat, who recently rejoined Portuguese club SC Olhanense from Italian side Pistoiese, reported for international duty on Sunday while winger Luke Gambin, now on the books of Colchester United, linked up with his international team-mates on Monday. The Malta squad are due to hold their first practice session in Oslo on Tuesday evening before their official training session at the Ullevaal Stadium on Wednesday (tomorrow), starting a 18.00. Speaking about the upcoming matches, defender Andrei Agius reckons Malta face two challenging tests but he is approaching these games with a positive mindset. “We have two very difficult matches in the space of three days,” Agius said. “Norway and Romania have different playing styles so we expect the two games to present different challenges. Having said that, I always stress that if we are well-organised and fully focused, I see no reason why we can’t be optimistic about gaining points, regardless of the strength of the opposition. “As always, we will be giving our best to try and get positive results in these two matches.” MALTA SQUADGOALKEEPERSHenry Bonello (Valletta); Justin Haber (Gżira United); Andrew Hogg (Birkirkara). DEFENDERSAndrei Agius, Ferdinando Apap, Joseph Mbong (all Hibernians); Steve Borg, Joseph Zerafa (both Valletta); Karl Micallef (Ħamrun Spartans); Zach Muscat (SC Olhanense, Portugal); Jurgen Pisani (Floriana); Dexter Xuereb (Mosta). MIDFIELDERSTriston Caruana (Ħamrun Spartans); Juan Corbalan (Gżira United); Paul Fenech (Balzan); Jake Grech, Dunstan Vella (both Hibernians); Nikolai Muscat (Gżira United); Rowen Muscat (Valletta). FORWARDSAlfred Effiong (Balzan); Jean Paul Farrugia (Sliema Wanderers); Luke Gambin (Colchester United, England); Kyrian Nwoko (Valletta).