Back to Business
by Jonathan Spiteri
12/04/2010
After the F.A. Trophy elimination at the hands of title challengers and fierce rivals Valletta, Birkirkara returned to winning ways by beating Sliema Wanderers 3-0 in the league. This win helped to preserve a four-point lead on Valletta, who beat Tarxien Rainbows with the same scoreline. Not much has changed, since the gap remained unaltered and still any loss of points from either of the top two teams could prove costly indeed. The only positive thing for Birkirkara is the fact that we have to win three matches rather than four now in order to mathematically secure the championship. Three games might seem a formality, especially for the neutrals, but for most of the Stripes’ clan and supporters, including myself, seem a whole season of matches!
The 3-0 final score line against Sliema might give the impression that it was a one-sided affair, but those present at Ta’ Qali (even the few city supporters siding Sliema) and those watching the match on TV have witnessed to a hard-fought encounter, with Sliema always threatening to score, and probably undone by an individual error when conceding the second goal. The killer blow arrived with the third goal, as even when two goals down, the Blues were still much in the game. Jorge Mora though had an excellent evening, and produced a few smart saves in order to keep a clean sheet and help the team to gain the vital three points. No one can blame Sliema for not having a go at it, and I am expecting nothing less from Qormi, Hibernians and Tarxien, unlike what some Valletta supporters are trying to portray.
All players and the coach deserve praise for this victory. Birkirkara, after a couple of early scares, started venturing in Sliema’s half-pitch with purpose, and it was no surprise that the Yellows forged ahead thanks to a magnificent header by Nicola Vukanac, a BU97 favourite for his warrior-like approach to on-field battles. Then it was Trevor Cilia’s turn to make the most of Sliema’s insecurities at the back with two goals in quick succession. Then it was a question of tactical discipline in order to prevent Sliema from getting back into the match. Even though there was still about half an hour to play, a party atmosphere was the order of the day at the lower part of the stands occupied by the Birkirkara followers.
The mood must have surely got back to more cautious levels when Tarxien, after a brave first half, had to bow their heads to Valletta. The ball is once again in our feet now as we take on Qormi on Thursday evening. The Yellow-Blacks have hit form again recently, beating Sliema 4-0 and Hibernians 3-0 in the Championsip Pool, while eliminating the Paolites on penalties in the F.A. Trophy. They are now favourites to secure third place, which although it does not mean automatic qualification to next season’s Europa League (Malta has lost a European berth as during the past five editions of European competitions, Maltese Clubs did not achieve enough positive results and the third Europa League slot was awarded to another country with a higher co-efficient), it can provide a back-door qualification for both Qormi and Sliema. Qormi will be hoping that Valletta do the double (League & Trophy) so that they could have access to the Europa Leauge via third place in the league. They could also qualify by winning the F.A. Trophy. A place in the final against Valletta would also help them achieving this, but once again, they must hope that the citizens are crowned champions. Sliema would only qualify for European football via third place if Birkirkara win the league and Valletta the F.A. Trophy.
If we were to use the same mind games which were being used recently, we would say that Qormi will do their utmost to beat Birkirkara in order to allow Valletta back into touching distance with the leaders, and then not give the same kind of input when playing against the Whites. We like to let our players on the pitch do all the talking though, as they have done so far this season. I am sure our coach and players are expecting other teams to give their best when playing against them, no matter the objectives each team would have at this stage of the season. For example, Hibernians look to have nothing to play for, but we are sure that they will give everyone a hard time, and that is the way things should be.
It would be a case of becoming masters of our own downfall if we go into a particular match thinking that the opposing team will look at it as a stroll in the park. First of all we must think about trying to win our matches, since the next three would be enough. We must not expect Valletta to drop any points, something which personally I see very difficult as I am sure that in the coming three weekends they will be like hungry wolves waiting for the falling lamb! Our players though have the advantage of having their destiny in their own hands, and if they concentrate on their own, they stand a good chance of achieving the final goal.
There are no easy games at this stage, but I consider Qormi to be the most dangerous team to play against at the moment. They are tactically well organised, while their swift and skilful forward line can pose a constant threat to our rearguard. I am sure Mr Zammit will have studied Jesmond Zerafa’s team quite well; something which has surely done before the previous three encounters with them that resulted in three convincing wins for our side. Every game has its own story though, as Qormi can beat anyone on their day. Still I believe we have what it takes to pass this test with flying colours. On a lighter note, we supporters hope that it is Birkirkara’s turn to play with yellow tops, as it feels rather strange to sing ‘Come on Yellows!’ when playing with a maroon top against opponents wearing yellow ones!
What if we do not manage to collect three points from this match? Well it is something we should not think about at this stage. If this happens though, we would have to re-organise ourselves and battle it out with Valletta until the very last game of the league. We would rather do without a championship decider, but in football un/fortunately anything could happen. The most important thing is that we stay behind our team and be proud of our colours, no matter what!
COME ON YELLOWS!!
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