Luck factor denies superb Stripes

by Ayrton Galea - 17th July 2013

Maltese Champions Birkirkara's brilliant performance on Tuesday night was not enough as they were twice denied by the wood-work. This lack of luck saw them end their first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Campions League, against NK Maribor, in a goal-less draw.

With the much more quoted side NK Maribor hot favourites to drift to the next round, a goal-less draw at home is usually considered a satisfactory result, but the Maltese Champions surely left the Ta' Qali National Stadium feeling denied from a deserved victory, as they created the better chances.

The final goal-less score might put the visitors in a comfortable position to pass to the third qualifying round but the Stripes surely deserve a big credit for an outstanding display especially in the first half where they outclassed their opponents.

The winning formula of the previous season, the 3-5-2 formation was kept for the tough test that the Stripes were going to face. The Stripes, led by the their speedy forwards Shola Shodiya and Frank Temile, the latter who was making his official debut with the Club, played flowing and attractive football.

The tactical discipline and aggressive character of the Stripes unsettled the Slovenians. Having been continually pressed, the Violets' remaining option for most of the time was to clear into safety, leading Birkirkara to quickly regain possession.

The match attracted an acceptable attendance for this type of match, as the Birkirkara supporters turned in numbers to support their beloved team. The Birkirkara Ultras once again produced a wonderful chorography besides continually supporting their players thanks to their never ending vocal support. On the other hand, around 100 vociferous Slovenian supporters travelled to our island to support their team for this match.

The First Half

Aware of the fact that an early away-goal would serve as the most comfortable cushion for the rest of their match, the Slovenians threatened early in the match as Dejan Megza found space to produce a low shot from inside the box which was pushed away by a steady Justin Haber.

However, the Stripes quickly settled down. In a well built action, Frank Temile sent a dangerous low cross-shot which failed to be hit by the Birkirkara forwards.

Paul Zammit's lads' tactical organisation was catching the eye of those present and this led them to enjoy an edge over their opponents. The confidence shown by the Maltese Champions in the first twenty minutes of the match surprised the Slovenians as the latter hardly settled down and they failed to penetrate.

The Stripes should have surged ahead on the 27th minute but they lost a golden opportunity. Edward Herrera showed great persistence to regain possession before serving an unmarked Shola Shodiya, who tried to serve Frank Temile in front of an empty net, but the pass was too long.

Birkirkara remained superior. Their encouraging performance until then was firing them up with confidence and determination. The Stripes were giving an outstanding performance in the rear-guard, while the forward line, composed of Shodiya and Temile, was being a continuous torment for the Slovenians.

Six minutes from half time, the Stripes were denied to be rewarded for their hard-work throughout the first half as they hit the crossbar. Frank Temile made some fine-footwork drifting to the right wing, before serving Edward Herrera outside the box, whose first-time uprising drive came off the top of the crossbar.

The first half was rather a pleasant surprise as only few were predicting that by the end of the first forty-five minutes, the Stripes would have been the best side on the pitch by creating the best chances and being denied by the crossbar. However, the half-time score read goal-less.

The Second Half

NK Maribor made a drastic improvement in the opening stages of the second half as they went out on the attack, forcing three corners which however they were all cleared by the Stripes' concentrated rear-guard.

However, the Slovenians' superiority of the early stages of the second half began to fade out as the Stripes settled once again to regain the edge they enjoyed in the first half.

Thirteen minutes in the second half, Birkirkara went close. Frank Temile produced an excellent fine-solo action by drifting inside the box but his low shot from a tight angle was blocked by goalkeeper Handanovic.

Three minutes past the half-hour, Temile was in action once by winning possession from Fillipovic in midfield. Temile sent Shodiya a through ball, and the latter advanced in the box but his effort sallied wide.

This was Shodiya's last action in the match as on the 67th minute, he was replaced by Senegalese striker Demba Toure in the Stripes' first substitution of the match.

For long stretches, the Slovenians failed to penetrate, and they had to wait till seventeen minutes from time to produce their first dangerous action of the second half. Dejan Mezga exchanged passes with Agim Ibrahimi whose swerving strike ended wide.

Having produced an outstanding performance so far, with stamina and determination of the Birkirkara players surely impressing those present, one would have expect the Stripes to surrender in the dying stages of the match, but they kept strong.

With time ticking away, and the Stripes still producing entertaining football, Mr. Paul Zammit made two changes in space of three minutes as on the 80th minute, Joseph Zerafa replaced Frank Temile while three minutes later Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza replaced Rowen Muscat.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza almost scored a dramatic goal one minute from time. He won a ball in an ideal position all alone against Handanovic. His low-placed shot hit the base of the post with the Stripes' supporters cursing their luck, or the lack of it.

The full time whistle found the Stripes supporters deservingly giving them a standing ovation for their superb performance, and for keep the qualification dream alive.

Birkirkara: Justin Haber, Zach Muscat, Nikola Vukanac, Alejandro Mendoza, Edward Herrera, Paul Fenech, Rowen Muscat (83' Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Gareth Sciberras, Ryan Camenzuli, Shola Shodiya (67' Demba Toure), Frank Temile (80' Joseph Zerafa).

Maribor: Jasmin Handanovic, Zeljko Fillipovic, Martin Milec, Ales Mejic, Dejan Mezga, Marcos Tavares (84' Nusmir Fajiz), Agim Ibrahimi, Goran Cvijanovic, Aleksander Rajcevic, Arghus Boradignon, Ales Martelej (69' Damjan Bohar)

Referee: Radu Petresscu (Romania)

Asssistant Referees: Cristan Nica, Vladimir Urzica (Romania)

Fourth Official: Dragos Istrate (Romania)

Yellow Cards: Ryan Camenzuli, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Zeljko Fillipovic (Maribor)

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