Postcard from the under-19 European Championship as Malta hosts Europe’s elite

Andrew Dempsey reports from a sickeningly hot St Paul’s Bay, Malta

Merħba Malta (Welcome to Malta)! A very hot Malta that is.

Over the last week, the small Mediterranean island has been playing host to the under-19 European Championship – in searing heat. I don’t think I can stress that enough.

Apologies if I say it again.

A missed opportunity

As many will know, Ireland missed out on a place in the Championship at the expense of Greece – and they may be looking on thinking what may have been.

Greece, alongside hosts Malta, have struggled throughout the tournament and bowed out after just two games following losses against Norway (5-4) and Spain (5-0).

And while their clash against the Norwegians might suggest a close encounter, it was not.

Norway raced into a 5-0 first-half lead at the Centenary Stadium – some Shamrock Rovers fans may be familiar with that venue from last year’s Champions League clash with Hibernians – before coming out on top 5-4.

The Greeks could, and probably should, have been further behind at the interval before adding a layer of respectability to the score late on. But the game was over as a contest.

However, they had no such luck against Spain as they were handed an almighty beating by the tournament’s co-favourites.

In March, Ireland looked like they had a chance of qualifying – especially on home soil in Wexford – and they might be thinking they could have given a better account of themselves than the Greeks.

Although as this tournament is outside the official international window, Greece are missing some of their better players.

Spirited Malta

But Greece's woes have been exacerbated by the spirited hosts Malta during the group stages. 

Following their opening night loss against Italy, Malta were unlucky not to have taken at least a point off Poland in their second group game.

Toze Mendes’ side were a man up just before the hour mark and missed a sitter through Basil Tuma to make it 1-0 in front of a capacity 1,700 crowd at the Centenary Stadium.

As it happened, Poland took the lead after Tuma’s miss and then Maltese star man Dylan Scicluna was sent off for a straight red card soon after. 

They did at least score a goal in the competition – but they were out by the time it arrived. Yet, the goal itself was treated like a win such was their effort in searching for one. 

Local interest

And as far as local interest goes, the enthusiasm for the competition has tapered off significantly over the last few days.

There are only four full-time sports reporters working on the island, so that might explain the poor media coverage – although the games are at least shown live on national TV.

Attendances have also dwindled from the opening-night high attendance of 3,247 at the National Stadium for the game between Malta and Italy to lows of just over 200.

Often it is just families and friends of players along with scouts in attendance at games. 

Tickets for games at the National Stadium – where John Aldridge scored twice to bring Ireland to Italia 90 – are priced at €2.50 each for a normal seat.

Meanwhile, the more expensive tickets for VIP areas and hospitality sections are valued at €6. 

Tickets for the final are on sale at €8 for the VIP/hospitality areas and €4 for general admission seats.

The stars come out in force

But the stars have still come out in force for the games. Former Premier League defender Brede Hangeland has been a constant sight at Norway games in his role of Technical Director of the Norwegian FA.

Atletico Madrid – and former Chelsea player – Joao Felix was also seen at Portugal’s opening day win over Poland at the Tony Bezzina Stadium watching his brother Hugo play.

Hugo, 19, is on the books of Benfica and has already scored twice and grabbed two assists in the tournament.

And with the semi-final and final set to take place later on this week, more famous faces are likely to appear and show their face.

Portugal are the favourites after the group stages but Spain could easily take them in the decider if the two Iberian rivals meet on Sunday night.

Who are Shamrock Rovers' Champions League first round qualifier opponents Breidablik? - https://t.co/94rjArrGiRhttps://t.co/Ouqf5HvUm7

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 9, 2023