Earlier this week, Faroese national team coach Lars Olsen picked his 23-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League Group D3 matches against Malta (H) and Kosovo (A).
In a press conference prior to announcing his squad, Mr. Olsen stated that the Faroe Islands have a real chance of winning the group, which also contains Azerbaijan. However, Mr. Olsen also pointed out that the Faroese players need to be humble and hard-working if they are to achieve that goal.
Every team will face off against the teams in their group home and away, with the winner of the group being promoted for the following season. The winner of the group will also qualify for a play-off in March 2020, with one Euro 2020 place on offer.
The match between the Faroe Islands and Malta will be played on Friday, September 7, starting at 19.45.
The Faroese squad:
Goalkeepers: Gunnar Nielsen (FH, Iceland); Teitur Matras Gestsson (HB); Kristian Joensen (KÍ)
Defenders: Atli Gregersen (Víkingur); Odmar Færø (B36); Viljormur Davidsen (Vejle BK); Jógvan Rói Davidsen (HB); Sonni Ragnar Nattestad (Molde BK, Norway); Alex Mellemgaard (B36); Rógvi Baldvinsson (Bryne BK, Norway)
Midfielders: Heini Vatnsdal (Fremad Amager, Denmark); Gunnar Vatnhamar (Víkingur); Magnus Egilsson (HB); Kaj Leo í Bartalsstovu (ÍBV, Iceland); Gilli Rólantsson Sørensen (SK Brann, Norway); Rene Shaki Joensen (Grindavík, Iceland); Tróndur Jensen (HB); Sølvi Vatnhamar (Víkingur); Hallur Hansson (AC Horsens, Denmark); Brandur Hendriksson Olsen (FH, Iceland)
Forwards: Finnur Justinussen (Fremad Amager, Denmark); Jóan Símun Edmundsson, (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany); Klæmint Andrasson Olsen (NSÍ)
Malta national team coach Ray Farrugia has also named the final 23-strong squad for the opening UEFA Nations League match against the Faroe Islands, reports Maltatoday.com.
Farrugia left it until after last night’s training session to finalize his squad selection. Malta kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign against the Faroe Islands at Tórsvøllur Stadium, and three days later, on September 10, Malta will make their home bow in this new competition when hosting Azerbaijan at the Ta’ Qali.
The Maltese Squad:
Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Valletta); Andrew Hogg (Hibernians); Steve Sultana (Balzan).
Defenders: Ferdinando Apap (Victoria Hotspurs); Andrei Agius (Hibernians); Steve Borg (Valletta); Ryan Camilleri (Valletta); Michael Johnson (Balzan); Joseph Mbong (Hibernians); Zach Muscat (Pistoiese); Joseph Zerafa (Valletta).
Midfielders: Johann Bezzina (Hibernians); Roderick Briffa (Gżira United); Juan Corbalan (Gżira United); Paul Fenech (Birkirkara); Ryan Fenech (Sliema Wanderers); Rowen Muscat (Valletta); Stephen Pisani (Floriana);
Forwards: Andrew Cohen (Gżira United); Alfred Effiong (Balzan); Jean Paul Farrugia (Sliema Wanderers); Michael Mifsud (Birkirkara); Andrè Schembri (Apollon Limassol, Cyprus).