by Malta will welcome Latvia at the Centenary Stadium at 16:00 for the match that will decide who will be directly promoted into League B from Group C1. Both coaches downplayed the occasion, but there’s no doubt that there will be no holds barred as the two fight for the coveted spot.
Preparations For The Final Match
Malta and Latvia will be playing out a direct confrontation for promotion to League B in the UEFA Women’s Nations League at the Centenary Stadium, with Malta’s contingent seeing out the league phase in front of a home crowd. The onus is on Latvia who need a win to ensure their place, but Malta will also want to go out on a high.
Malta head into it following the draw against Moldova on Friday, with the Moldovans presenting a physical match true to their strengths. However, heading into the next one, Manuela Tesse spoke more about mental recovery, “I think the match against Moldova took more mental energy than physical energy. However, we have no issues on recovery as we head into this match.”
On the other hand, Latvia will feel much warmer this time round, having played out the previous fixture in sub-zero temperatures against Andorra. The match made for tricky conditions but Romans Kvacovs’ side passed the test with flying colours and there were some early substitutions to rest a few players as well.
Asked to sum up the way the team recovered from the Andorra match, Kvacovs said, “For us the way we set up our matches with the plan of having three days between them. We set the plan of when we have recovery, a bit more conditioning and where to put the tactical-technical or technical-tactical training. As to the weather, for us this is normal in December and so it was not a problem. The team has recovered well and we are ready for the game.”
A Match For Spectators To Enjoy
The two sides head into the match separated by the three points that Malta gained by winning the first direct encounter in Latvia. It was the first match in the competition and one that was decided by slim margins. The parity between the two sides was confirmed throughout the competition as they matched each other in the tallies since then, even to the extent of both being held to draws by Moldova.
Despite this, both have grown since the first match. Latvia have grown in confidence in front of goal, with Karlina Miksone, Diana Suvitra and Olga Sevcova all grabbing hat-tricks, while Anastasija Poluhovica has also grabbed three in the competition.
On the other hand, Malta have not been slouches in front of goal either, with Haley Bugeja leading the charge in the UEFA Women’s Nations League scorers’ tally on eight goals, while Maria Farrugia and Rachel Cuschieri also found the net. The Maltese also enjoy the best defensive record in the group having managed to keep out all opponents.
The first match provided plenty of great football, but Manuela Tesse is expecting a match that is of an even higher level, “The match will be different for both teams because the game in September was close to pre-season. So, I think physically both teams are much better prepared.”
The coach also alluded to the growth showed throughout the tournament, “I also expect a different match because all the teams grew with each game, not just Malta and Latvia. I think it will be very open. Both teams will be going for the win and in the end you have to treat it like any other game of football.”
Her counterpart, Romans Kvacovs, also alluded to the high quality of football that has been displayed by the two teams and is expecting an exciting match for those in the stands, not just because of what’s at stake. He said, “I think tomorrow’s game will be very interesting because, yes it is a fight for the first place in the group. Of course for us we need a win to go first place, while Malta needs a draw or a win for promotion. However, what I think about is game quality and structure. I think both Malta and our team play very good football.”
He expanded, “We try to play with the ball, with medium passes in free zones and to create space in the field. We also work on fast transitions between attack to defence and vice-versa. If we talk about football, I think it will be a very interesting game and I think it will be one which spectators who come to the game will enjoy.”
Although there may have been a few rocky patches in the first encounter, it having been the first game in the competition, the two sides have had plenty of time to hone their craft since then. Both coaches have since set out a very clear style of play. There have been few changes to their first eleven and often these have been with like for like changes.
However, if there’s anything that the two coaches have shown throughout, is that they are very well aware that the devil is in the details. It’s one thing to play your football well, it’s another to make sure that you do it while also limiting your opponent. None of the pre-match comments divulged that there may be any surprises that may be up their sleeves, however rest assured that the two have their tricks ready.
A Game Of Football or Something More?
Being in League C, the two teams are vying for an automatic promotion League B, which would also affect the upcoming European Qualification draws.
Malta stumbled to close out their place in the match against Moldova, but Manuela Tesse is of the opinion that the team is ready for the task in front of the home crowd. She said, “My players have been excellent at home, both against Andorra and Moldova. I think maybe they wanted to play the important match at home, in front of their supporters.”
Meanwhile, when asked about mounting a challenge for a must-win match in front of a hostile crowd, Romans Kvacovs downplayed the promotion intentions. He said, “We are not thinking about play-offs or promotions. We will take to the pitch to win and then in one year we play in another group.”
The two have undoubtedly been putting stellar shows of football throughout the competition, making this an encounter not to be missed. The hanging clouds add a bit more spice to an already exciting encounter.
It’s all to play for, with the coveted spot up for grabs for those courageous enough to pursue it. Kick-off at 16:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Those unable to make it in person can watch on TVM Sport+.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Sieviesu Futbols
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