Malta look to bounce back in Serbia

This afternoon, the national team will be eager to redeem themselves from last week's 43-0 upset to Germany when they take on Serbia and Montenegro in their second World Cup 2007 third qualifying round Group B match in Pancebo.

The defeat to Germany at the Hibs Ground was hard to fathom for the Maltese. The winners fully deserved to emerge on top on the day as in the second half they showed why they are ranked 27th in the world and firm favourites to win the group.

But few would have anticipated that the hosts would end up with such a heavy defeat and their pride dented after a creditable display in the opening half.

Before the squad left for Belgrade earlier this week, coach Damien Neill told The Times that his players were fired up and raring to go again.

"That defeat to Germany was hard to take," Neill said.

"The players did well, particularly in the first half, and were disappointed to lose in that way. However, there's no use crying over spilt milk now. We have another important match coming up and it's an ideal opportunity for us to show that we are a good team.

"We know Serbia very well having played them twice in the last couple of years. They lost their opening match against Croatia but against us will be different."

The previous two clashes with Serbia were both played at Marsa with Malta winning the first meeting in 2003 (20-18) before Serbia took the honours last year (24-13).

Malta are without Oliver Sacco, injured, and Nick Warren, unavailable. These absences should open the way for Guy Kennedy to make his full debut after playing a sub's role against Germany.

Wing attack

Simon Micallef is expected to retain his place on the wing and Neill will be hoping to make full use of his lightning pace to breach the Serbs from the flanks.

"Serbia are a very physical team with a very strong pack," Neill said.

"We have some big players missing but we have others like Ian Borda who has done very well in that area.

"Serbia could struggle against quick opponents. We have the players who can hurt them with speed and hopefully that will be our winning card."