by Croatia found the perfect response to Friday’s defeat against Malta, with a 3 – 0 victory on Monday. Coaches Nenad Gracan and Manuela Tesse gave their view of the match with plenty to digest in the tactical decisions as they relinquish players back to their clubs before competing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification stage. Malta’s Rebecca Bajada gave her view from the wing for Malta as the side shape-shifted.
Croatia’s Response
Croatia netted three goals against Malta on Monday, showing the best possible response to Friday’s defeat against the same nation by 3 – 2.
Nenad Gracan was composed in the face of victory, “I am happy with the victory, but mostly I am happy about the way we played both matches, even if we lost on Friday. Players are getting more accustomed to the things we want from them and I felt today they showed that on the pitch.”
Given the young talents in the team, Gracan was questioned about his thoughts in the way the team dealt with Malta’s changes to come away with the win. He replied, “To be honest we studied Malta, but we were mostly focused on our game and our principles. We decided to keep the system that we had on Friday and adapted well against Malta’s changes so, overall I’m happy with the performance.”
The Wing Dominates Discussion For Malta
Malta’s side featured three changes in personnel at the start of the second match, with the team also testing a new system with a back-three. Manuela Tesse gave insight into the decision and the follow-up change at half-time, “I am somewhat sad because I felt that in these two matches we didn’t really solve the problem that we have in the full-back position. We switched between three and four at the back, but I still feel we are not able to get the full potential of the position.”
Giving further insight, she continued, “In truth we were doing well enough with a back-three and wing-backs, because Croatia only scored in the 41st minute. We conceded two more when we switched to a back-four, and all three were our mistakes. So, there’s still work there to do, irrespective if it is a back-four or back-three. I felt for example Rebecca (Bajada) had a good match, but we also want to listen to our players and it is evident from their feedback that there are challenges to keep up with the demands of the position. Similarly, it has a ripple effect on the midfielders, who have to cover the full-back more. So, it has given us some pointers, but I would not say we have solved the problem.”
Rebecca Bajada echoed the comments of her coach in distilling the match from her perspective, “Of course we were trying out different things in view of the League B fixtures. I think we knew that today would be testing because as a team we aren’t as accustomed to it. I like the role of the wing-back, but of course we need a lot more practice as a team together to maximise it.”
Bajada underlined the advantages of having switched between the two roles with her club, Mgarr United, “It’s something that we switch between, so you’re accustomed to the principles between the two, which makes it easier as an individual at times. However, in the end it’s a team game so that practice as a group, to get that chemistry and understanding on the pitch, is crucial to make it effective at national team level.”
Summing up the window, Bajada said, “I think all in all these matches showed us the strengths and the things we need to work on. We know we’ll face strong opposition in the upcoming fixtures, but of course as a player I want to give my all for the team and I’m sure we all do to get the best out of the matches.”
Tesse Praises Commitment
Questioned about the team’s inability to hold the ball high up and cause trouble to Croatia, despite the switch to bring on Kailey Willis up top at half-time, Manuela Tesse’s response suggested that an intention to get back on level terms was the goal, but found positives in having the opportunity to give players more minutes at international level.
She replied, “Of course, there is still things to improve. However, we switched to a back-four because we wanted to score. However, there were other changes, in goal we had Maya (Cachia) today and also brought in Patricia (Ebejer), and I wanted to make sure that players have the opportunity to gain minutes in this friendly, more than chasing a result. It is important for players to feel part of the group.”
The Malta coach finished on a positive note on the commitment of players, “Everyone had a great attitude and commitment throughout the week. Even players who didn’t play showed up and gave their all during training. So, I feel it is important to consider all the group and I’m happy with the attitude.”
Eyes Toward Competitive Fixtures
The two coaches were probed on the major take-aways from this window as they set sight on the competitive fixtures to be kicked off in February of next year.
Malta’s Manuela Tesse weighed in, “The big positive is the match we played on Friday. It was a match where we showed what we can do, so we must cancel today’s defeat from our minds, focus on what we did well on Friday and understand that if we play as a team, stay compact, are brave and believe that we can score, then we can do well. We scored three goals on Friday, so we must believe.”
Nenad Gracan was of a similar frame of mind, “I think we are ready to play the upcoming matches. We wanted to play Malta because of their win in the League C group. Our goal is to prepare in the best way and I think based on this fixtures now it’s about giving our best and focus on promotion back to League B.”
The UEFA Women’s European Qualifications for the FIFA Women World Cup await, with the first matchday set for the 3rd of March. Malta will travel to face Turkey, while Croatia will meet Bulgaria away from home. Until then, national team coaches will be scouting progress from the stands as players return to club duties.
Lead Image: Brandon Bonett
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