by Malta secured automatic promotion to League B, while Latvia will be contesting a place in the upcoming play-offs. The two displayed an epic final game of football which proves their ascendency. Coaches Manuela Tesse and Romans Kvacovs noted the importance of such games to propel their nations forward and the support for the women’s game.
A Great Advert For Women’s Football
Malta’s Manuela Tesse was elated by the performance that got Malta over the line with a 2-1 victory, despite initially trailing. “The first half we were prepared to manage the game and keep the pace of the match slow. Alishia Sultana was important because of her experience in playing full-back with Birkirkara, so she helped Emma Xuereb because we know how strong Olga Sevcova is. We were planned to change the game in the second half, with Maria Farrugia, and she was excellent today.”
Latvia’s Romans Kvacovs summed up the match for this team, “Today I thought we played well, so I want to thank my players for their attitude and concentration. I would like to also congratulate Malta for promotion to League B.”
The coach also nodded to those in the stands whom he hoped will join the increasing number of those supporting the women’s game and nodded to the UEFA Women’s Nations League competition for providing level-playing field matches, “I want to thank the spectators that watched in the stadium and those watching on other media. I think this was a good game, with good quality. Matches like this helps us develop our teams much quicker because there is good intensity. The atmosphere was of a proper football atmosphere and I am happy for this.”
Malta’s Manuela Tesse also nodded to the 1,008 strong crowd – the record for Malta’s National Women’s Team – that filtered into the stadium. She said, “The support was amazing and I think now Maltese people understand that women’s football is good entertainment. There was good football today and I think people will now look forward to watch the national team play.”
League Promotion And Development
There has been a lot of hype surrounding the goal of promotion for these teams. When it comes down to it, there is no trophy, but reaching the goal enables something bigger. Manuela Tesse articulated promotion for her team, “I spoke with all the players and I told them this victory is yours. I pushed them because I wanted them to have this. I’ve been lucky to have had success in my career, but I want to be here with them to push their development.”
Despite not securing automatic promotion, Latvia’s ten point tally will give them the opportunity for a promotion play-off against one of Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Ukraine. The draw will be held on Monday 10th December.
Throughout the tournament Latvia has displayed some excellent fluid football. The side has also fielded some very young members in the squad including the likes of Diana Suvitra and Anastasija Poluhovica who also impressed on the big stage.
Asked about the development of the squad, Kvacovs said, “We have a great group of players. Olga Sevcova is playing in the Turkish League and she is our leader. In this moment, we have a good mix of players with experience with the national team and those who are promising young talents. I believe we need more time to gradually introduce them into the team. For example from going to U19 to senior national team, the intensity is higher in the senior so we need to give them more time. The senior team is fast and technical which players need time to adjust to.”
Looking toward the future, Kvacovs said, “We will take some time because of course our aim was to win the group and gain automatic promotion. For now, I think us coaching staff and also the team, will enjoy some free-time to recover from this game both and mentally. Then we will focus on planning towards the play-offs.”
Lead Image: Dorienne Grech
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
