Watch: Mangia heaps praise on players’ attitude despite Faroes’ defeat

Malta coach Devis Mangia could not hide his disappointment after the national team suffered a heart breaking 3-2 defeat to the Faroe Islands on Thursday.

But still, the Italian had warm words for his players for their gallant display in Torshavn.

With ten minutes left, Malta were leading 2-1 following goals by Jurgen Degabriele and Andrei Agius.

However, the home side put on a stirring late assault which saw them strike twice at the death to take all three points.

The Malta coach said that the Faroes’ superior physical strength in the late stages of the match did all the difference but said that he was pleased with the performance and the attitude of his players in Torshavn.

“We knew that we could have some problems in the last part of the game because they put in their side players who are tall and physically strong,” the Malta coach said.

“This for our characteristics cause us problems. But really about the performance of the team I am very happy. They showed great attitude and they put everything in the pitch and this for me in this moment it’s enough.

“It’s clear that in this moment we are very disappointing because with ten minutes to go we were leading 2-1. But I’m sure this result will help us to grow as a team.

Asked on whether he plans to make any changes for Sunday’s match against Latvia, Mangia said: “It will be possible to make some changes as I have to check the condition of some of the players.

“But I repeat that if the attitude is this we can do a good job. It’s normal that when you are in a situation like us where we are building something here. it’s normal to pass from situations like today but we have to continue on this route.”