Malta will be going all out to collect their first points in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Lithuania at the National Stadium on October 5.
Eight difficult matches have failed to yield a point for Malta but hopes are high that the national team can get off the mark when they host Lithuania in the final European Group F qualifier on home soil. After the Lithuania date, Malta wrap up their 2018 World Cup qualifying commitments with another difficult match against Slovakia in Trnava on October 8.
Malta’s meagre tally in Group F is not a fair reflection of the team’s bold efforts in what has been a very tough competition as the team, under the guidance of Italian coach Pietro Ghedin, produced resolute performances in most of their outings but left the pitch with no tangible rewards for their endeavours.
With only two qualifiers left, the Maltese players know that their best chance of picking up their first point is the match against Lithuania at the National Stadium.
It will not be a stroll in the park as Lithuania have proved a hard nut to crack for all the teams in Group F. They have five points from eight games after beating Malta with two late goals in Vilnius last year and drawing at home to Slovenia (2-2) and away to Scotland (1-1).
The Maltese players must be at the top of their game to overcome Lithuania but there is a general belief that, with the backing of the home fans, a positive result is within our team’s reach.
The sale of tickets for the Malta-Lithuania qualifier begins this Friday from MFA Headquarters – Millennium Stand Ta’ Qali; KSU Office on campus; Lion King Stationers – Gwardamangia; Matrix – Republic Street Valletta, Main Street Paola or Skyparks MIA; Teamsport – Lija; Star Tourist Services – Bugibba and GFA Offices – Xewkija or online from www.mfa.com.mt
Tickets will also be available for sale at all the National Stadium Ticket Booths on matchday.
Tickets prices will be as follows:
West A & C Stands – €25
Millennium Stand D and F – €15
Local fans can purchase tickets for West C and Millennium D & F Stands while visiting fans can purchase tickets for West A Stand, online, by visiting www.mfa.com.mt
All Goal Card holders will be given access into the stadium upon presentation of their personal Goal Card. Holders of a West C Stand Goal Card will be allowed access to their reserved seat in West C. Holders of the Millennium D Stand Goal Card and/or a South Stand Goal Card will be given access to Millennium D Stand. The South Stand will not be opened for this match.
Children under 12 years of age will receive FREE entrance to the Millennium D Stand when accompanied by an adult who is in possession of a South Stand or Millennium Stand GOAL CARD, or a valid ticket for the Millennium D Stand. Children under 12 years must still have a valid complimentary ticket which can be collected from any of our Points of Sale.
All sectors in the West Stand and Millennium E will be on allocated seating. Seating in all other areas of the stadium will be on a free seating basis.
There will also be a limited number of spaces in Millennium Stand D and F for persons who make use of a wheelchair. These persons will be admitted into the stadium Free of Charge (upon prior request and on a first-come first-served basis) and need to be accompanied by another assisting person who must be in possession of a match ticket bought at the standard rates. Such requests should be sent to worldcup2018@mfa.com.mt
For more information, call 2338 6000 or send an e-mail to norman.saliba@mfa.com.mt
Photo: Copyright © Paul Zammit Cutajar