by Malta will be welcoming Moldova at the Centenary Stadium at 20:00 tonight for the second match in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. The hosts will be searching for a second win, but Moldova will be equally determined to seal their first points in the group. Malta’s coach Manuela Tesse and Moldova’s coach Nicolae Bunea provided some insight into their impressions of the group thus far, squad rotations and preparation for the tonight’s fixture.
A Quick Turnaround
The two sides have had just three days to travel and recover for the second match of the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Asked about the mood in the camp following a tough but victorious encounter against Latvia, coach Manuela Tesse of Malta said, “The match against Latvia was tough. It showed that every team is improving and all federations are investing in women’s football. I think in terms of technical and tactical aspects, the players felt the pressure and were a little emotional after that. Latvia had good chances, but in the end the important thing is to win and our players were resilient to do that.”
Meanwhile, asked a similar question on the team’s morale following the defeat to Andorra and the upcoming match against Malta, Moldova’s coach Nicolae Bunea said, “The girls have a good disposition. We analyzed the match and we think we will have a good match tomorrow.”
Noting that both sets of fixtures in the group were very tight on Friday, the coaches were probed about whether the competitiveness in the group met their expectations or if any team surprised them. Manuela Tesse said, “I was a little surprised by Andorra because they have less experience, but as I said all countries are investing. We will see in the match how we fare against Moldova.”
Moldova’s coach Nicolae Bunea was of a similar frame of mind about Andorra being a surprise package. He said, “Maybe Andorra surprised us a little bit. Overall, we analysed also the match between Malta and Latvia and we consider that the teams in the group are very equal.”
Preparation For The Encounter
The two countries met in the Visit Malta Trophy in February of 2022, which was the only encounter between the two. Although many players that featured then could feature in the match tonight, both teams will be led by different coaches. Asked about the preparation into the match and whether she believes that the previous match has any significance on today’s encounter, Malta’s coach Manuela Tesse said, “Absolutely no, because we have started a new process of how we want to play and our philosophy. So first I focus on my players being confident about our style of play and then we worry about our opponent.”
Moldova displayed an aggressive style of play against Andorra, which they matched with fast attacking play. Questioned whether this aggression is something that worries her, Tesse replied, “I am aware that their captain and their first-choice goalkeeper were not playing, so I am not sure if they will play against us. However, yes for sure Moldova are very physical, but so were Latvia and they also have a fast attack. I am aware of this but I have faith in my defence to be able to handle this.”
Meanwhile, Moldova’s physicality and fast attacking style had Andorra by the ropes in a number of attacks, but at times perhaps the team lacked the numbers in the box to make the pressure pay. Asked whether he intends to deploy a different set of tactical instructions against Malta or if this attacking incision will be more affected by team selection, Moldova’s Nicolae Bunea remained tight-lipped, “We have a strategy for the game that we hope will bring us a very good result.”
Recoveries and Team News
Asked about recovery following the encounter against Latvia and whether this will result in changes in the squad to rotate, coach Manuela Tesse said, “There are two forced changes because Maria Farrugia and Veronique Mifsud have injuries. They have been replaced by Alishia Sultana and Mariah Cardona who I believe can do a good job.” The coach continued on the importance of the collective, “I am very proud of the group because we are a big family here, so we do not rely on one player, we work as a group. For me, this is not just about the players who are here in this call-up, but all players who can play for Malta. Each player has to push to be better to compete for a place in the National Team. Like that we will all be better.”
As to the recovery of the rest of the squad, Malta’s coach said, “Of course playing away and having to travel adds to the tiredness. However, over the three days the players recovered well and they are ready to play this game.”
Meanwhile, Moldova’s Nicolae Bunea also spoke of rotation in the post-match interview on Friday. Probed about whether this rotation is related to having fresher players due to the close proximity of the two matches, Moldova’s Bunea said, “Yes the match against Andorra was tough and so there will be a lot of changes. However, I am sure that the players who come in will have a good match and that the other girls will rest because we also have to think of the other four matches in the UEFA Women’s Nations League not just these two.”
The Moldovan contingent features Anastasia Sivolobova who has impressed in Mgarr United’s colours this season and been an undroppable feature in the heart of the defence for the Greens. Asked about her importance in the Moldovan national team and the effect of her familiarity with the Maltese team in preparation for the fixture, Nicolae Bunea heaped praise, “Anastasia Sivolobova has played for the National Team for about four years and we think Mgarr United’s coach’s decision to bring her here was a very good decision because we know how good she is. Her familiarity with Malta means she is a bit like our guide here. On the pitch she is a key player in our team and think she will also show this talent tomorrow.”
Support
This will be the first match that Malta will play at home in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League. Asked about the importance of having a full and supportive home crowd in the Centenary Stadium, Manuela Tesse said, “I think my players want to be an inspiration for the girls in Malta who want to play football. They deserve the support and I think young players can find this inspiration in them. So I hope that we have a full Centenary Stadium because we need the twelfth player on the pitch.”
On the other hand, the Moldovan team has had to travel to Malta and so will have the home crowd to contend with. Asked about how the team is prepared to handle this, Nicolae Bunea said, “It will be difficult for us but I am certain we will show a good match.”
The two nations will kick-off at 20:00 tonight at the Centenary Stadium. Tickets for the match may be purchased online or at the door.
Meanwhile, the second matchday in Group C1 will be completed on the same night as Andorra will be hosting Latvia with kick-off at 19:00 at the National Stadium of Andorra.
Lead Images: UEFA / Moldovan FA / Malta FA
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