Mifsud hails Maltese record-breakers
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Article summary
With Malta having earned a record points tally in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, Michael Mifsud told uefa.com that the islanders are no longer "easy opponents".
Article body
After another positive result in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier, Malta striker Michael Mifsud believes the islanders no longer represent easy pickings for the major nations. "Gone are the days when Malta used to be reckoned as an easy opponent," he said.
Turkey draw
Mifsud was a constant thorn in Turkey's side during the 2-2 draw in Saturday's Group C qualifier. The result moved Malta on to five points in the pool, surpassing their previous best qualifying tally of four points from the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Even the Coventry City FC forward thought that such a tally would be beyond them at the start of their campaign.
Malta overjoyed
Mifsud told uefa.com: "Turkey found out Malta can give a very tough match to any opponent. Obviously everyone was overjoyed after the result. Turkey are a very difficult side and getting a draw against them is ample reward for the hard work we put in, not only in the match itself but in training, preparations and so forth.
Five-point shock
"I would like to thank our loyal, vociferous fans who flocked to the National Stadium last Saturday - they were our 12th man on the pitch," he added. "We believed in ourselves, but I was a bit surprised that we have managed five points already with three matches still to play. Now we play Hungary in Budapest, and I believe we can get a point from this match. Then we have Moldova at home, Greece away and then finally at home to Norway, three very difficult opponents," added Mifsud.
Club success
The the 26-year-old's display against Turkey mirrored the form he has shown in the secod tier of English football with Coventry, where he has been making a name for himself by helping Iain Dowie's side to the top of the Championship. He said "I am waiting to earn a regular first-team place but I always give 100 per cent whenever I am called. Last year I scored four goals and this season I began with a bang, scoring three goals in five appearances." Mifsud will not get a chance to add to his 50 caps, which have yielded 12 goals, when Malta tackle Armenia in a friendly international tonight.
