Malta heartbreakingly failed to beat the Faroe Islands in a Nations League Division D decider and have thus missed out on promotion to Division C. Mangia’s boys must be ruing those last 5 minutes in Torshavn where they were leading 2-1 with 5 minutes to go but ended up losing 2-3.

Overall, coach Devis Mangia appears to be producing results which previous National Team coaches have promised but not delivered. The present unbeaten run of 7 games is something even the most optimistic Maltese fan would never have dreamed of.

So,  what has happened to the Malta National Team? Is Mangia weaving his magic, or is it a false dawn? Is Malta flattering to deceive, or is it a genuine improvement?

In order to try to find out, one needs to consider the following:

Malta Premier League

Previously, National Team players had it too easily . In the past, the Maltese League was similar to Leagues in Scotland/Portugal/Holland, etc. where it is always the same 2/3 clubs challenging for the title. Players in the top sides only needed to play at 60 – 70% of their ability in order to win and competitive matches were quite rare .  When called up to the National Team they then had to face opponents who were superior to them in all aspects of the game , and they suffered physically and mentally as they suddenly had to up their game to 100% in order to not lose.

Over the past few years, the overall standard of the  Maltese Premier League has improved. A larger number of teams are now challenging for the title. Teams appear to be much more evenly balanced making matches more competitive. Therefore, players have to perform at a much higher level on a weekly basis.  Consequently they improve both technically, and  also mentally , as they need to concentrate for the full 90 minutes. This was something which used to be one of the National Team’s main weaknesses, and a larger number goals were conceded in the last 10 minutes of matches.

National Team selection

Mangia has come in with an open mind and a clean slate. He selects his squad on a “Form not Reputation” basis.  In the past, a few veteran players considered themselves automatic  selections irrespective of the form they were in.  Although putting a few noses out of joint, Mangia has assembled a young squad of in-form players who are  willing to learn his philosophies and adapt to his tactics.

A lot of credit must also go to the coaches from the U-21’s and lower age groups such as Silvio Vella and Sergio Soldano. They are the ones who have prepared the majority of this new crop of players to climb the international ladder.

Nations League

This edition of the Nations League favours Malta and the other so called “minnows”. In 2018/9, there were 4 groups of D Leagues with 16 teams in total, which included the likes of  Macedonia (who have just qualified for the Euros) Kosovo, Belarus and Georgia. For this 2020/1 edition,  there are only two groups in the D league, comprising the 7 minnows who are all of the same level.

All matches in a group are now between nations of an equal standard. This has allowed Malta to have a positive attitude and try to win each match, compared to the previous edition where there were facing teams considered superior.

Tactics

Mangia has declared that he would rather play attacking football and lose rather than park the bus and try to scrape a draw.  Players can approach the game in the same way they do week in and week out for their clubs.  Forwards can attack rather than play as the first line of defence , midfielders can create rather than spoil, and defenders  will actually have outlets where they can release the ball.

The present edition of the Nations League had made every match an even one. This has allowed Mangia to exercise more offensive tactics.

Empty stadia

As mentioned by players all over the world, the lack of fans inside the stadia actually helps them overcome their nerves. There is nothing more morale-lifting than a stadium packed to the rafters cheering you on. However,  the opposite happens when the match is tight and the nerves in the stand are  transmitted onto the pitch. The Maltese players have seemed much more relaxed when playing in an empty stadium.

The real picture of Mangia’s influence will emerge in the next Qualifying campaign : the 2022 World Cup. The draw reverts to the traditional style where once again, Malta will be the lowest ranked team in the group . This will place Mangia in a Catch -22 situation. Does he carry on with his philosophy and attack, risking a demoralising hammering? Or does he revert to the traditional defensive mentality, and hope for a draw or a small defeat? The players morale and confidence is presently  at an all-time high. But what would a large defeat do to this?

Personally, I hope Mangia goes for it and continues to allow players to play in the same way they play for their clubs, and try to win games. Nobody expects Malta to beat any of the big nations, but why not give it a go?  After all, you cannot win the lottery if you do not buy a ticket. As the South End Core proudly  proclaim, we are a “small island big balls”.  It’s time to show them!!!

Forza Malta!!

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Article written by football junkie Guy Bonello.

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