by Malta’s U19 Women’s National Team will be initiating their UEFA European Women’s U19 Women’s Championship matches today against Slovenia, followed by matches against Croatia & Luxembourg. Coach David Attard will be leading the side for the first time. He spoke about the objectives for the team and what to expect from Malta and their opposition.
Objectives Under New Leadership
Malta will be opening their mini-tournament in Group B4 in the UEFA European Women’s U19 Championship in Round 1, in a bid to elevate themselves into League A. The winners of the groups in League B and the best runners-up will be promoted.
Malta will begin their tournament against Slovenia at noon CET, before facing hosts Croatia on Saturday 30th November at 13:00 CET. The final match will be played against Luxembourg on Tuesday 3rd December, starting at noon CET.
David Attard will be making his debut as the national team coach of Malta, with sights set on a positive display, “The main objective is to perform well and execute the game plan we’ve been preparing, with the aim of winning each match. We want the players to stick to our strategy, play with determination, and give their best effort on the field.”
It will be Attard’s first foray into women’s football, following fifteen years of coaching in the men’s game across various clubs. Questioned about his ambitions in the women’s game, Attard replied, “My ambition is to contribute to its growth and to provide opportunities for players to develop and compete at the highest level. It’s about building a strong foundation and inspiring the next generation of players.”
He is supported by a contingent consisting of Assistant Coach Martina Borg, Goalkeepers’ Coach Michelle Zahra, Marc Ciangura (Physical Trainer), Christine Platts as the physiotherapist, Michelle Dimech as the Team Manager and Mary Muscat as Kit Manager.
Questioned about settling into the role, David Attard praised the commitment of both players and staff as they prepared for the tournament. He said, “Settling in has been smooth, thanks to the players’ and staff’s support and commitment. The preparations have been focused and intense considering the short time we’ve had together. The players have shown enthusiasm and a willingness to adapt, which has been encouraging.”
Making The Selection
David Attard was presented a similar question to U17’s Malta Women’s National Team coach, Clint Tabone, on making the selection considering the ability of several players to fit into either the U17 or the U19 squad. He echoed the difficulty involved in balancing the two, but underlined the aim to give players the best possible opportunity to grow.
He said, “The biggest challenge has been balancing the talent pool and ensuring that both squads are competitive while providing opportunities for player development. A few players are versatile and capable of playing at both levels, so the focus has been on selecting players for the roles that suit them best for each team’s objectives. On the other hand, I see this as an opportunity for players to be given a chance to play at international level and ultimately motivate them more to wanting more similar opportunities in the future.”
Ylenia Azzopardi leads the defensive unit, making a surprise appearance following months of being sidelined with injury. Questioned about her selection, David Attard replied, “Ylenia Azzopardi has recovered from her injury and she has been working on her match fitness for the past three weeks.” On the other hand, Kaysia Micallef’s absence was confirmed to be due to injury.
Chanelle Borg and Erika Muscat lead the goalkeeping line-up, with Borg often trusted between the posts for Swieqi United, while Birkirkara’s Erika Muscat returns following months on the sidelines with injury.
In defence, Ylenia Azzopardi is joined by Francesca Bartolo who will make her first appearance in the national team shirt since moving to Sassuolo. Birkirkara’s Stella Francalanza is also named among the defence, joined by Hibernians’ Amber Galea, Swieqi United’s Thea Ida Scicluna and Lija Athletic’s Milena Stagno. Ternana’s Michela Ionadi completes the defensive setup.
In midfield, San Gwann’s duo Fatma Al Girbi and Nilayza Attard are joined by a trio from Swieqi United in Leanne Frendo, Shannen Mallia and Ema Micallef. Birkirkara’s Amelia Vassallo completes the unit, together with Lexine Farrugia who plies her trade in Italy with AS Roma.
The attack is more limited in numbers. It features Mtarfa’s Estelle Borg, Hibernians’ Shana Farrugia, alongside Valletta’s Suzanne Farrugia Sacco. AC Milan’s Sara Saliba completes the unit.
What To Expect From Malta & Their Adversaries
David Attard spoke about the challenges that Croatia, Luxembourg and Slovenia pose to Malta, “All three teams are strong and bring different challenges. Croatia and Slovenia are technically and tactically advanced, and they play with intensity and structure. They are the obvious favourites to win the group. Luxembourg is also developing well and can pose a threat with their resilience. We know we’ll need to be disciplined and well-prepared for each match.”
On the other hand, Attard suggests that Malta is ready to make its own mark and play without fear, “We aim to be a team that is tactically disciplined, hardworking and courageous. We want to show a strong defensive structure while being bold and decisive when opportunities arise in attack.”
The U19 selection features several players who will already have had some experience at international level between the UEFA Development Tournaments and the U17 European Qualifications in the past.
Questioned about the balance in having that experience and them being surrounded by the right support to make their mark in this tournament, David Attard replied, “The experience some players bring is definitely a positive factor, and it has helped in building the team’s confidence and understanding. However, we are still a young squad with room to grow. The support system, including the technical staff and medical team, ensures that the players are well-prepared physically and mentally to compete at this level.”
Malta’s U19 team will kick-off their tournament against Slovenia, today at noon CET.
Lead Image: Malta FA
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