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GIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:37 Page 1
OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE LEAGUE D – GROUP 4 MATCHDAY 4
GIBRALTAR V LIECHTENSTEIN TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH 2018 – KICK-OFF 8.45PM
Photo: Neil Wilson. #ItsComingHome
GIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:37 Page 2 Photo: Neil Wilson.
GIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:37 Page 3
#ITSCOMINGHOME
62-64 Irish Town, PO Box 513, Gibraltar GX11 1AA
Tel: +350 200 42941 Fax: +350 200 42211
Email: info@gibraltarfa.com Web: gibraltarfa.com
HONORARY PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Michael Llamas
Ian Torrilla
MANAGEMENT BOARD
Dennis Beiso - General Secretary
Ivan Robba - Deputy General Secretary
Charles Robba - Finance Director
Richard Manning - Head of Administration
Desi Curry - Technical Director
MATCH PROGRAMME
Designed and produced by APE Publications
Gibraltar’s Match Programme specialists
email: apepublications@aol.co.uk
Twitter: @APEPublications
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Gibraltar FA and Neil Wilson
publications
#ItsComingHome THREE
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HOMEAGAIN
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WELCOME
DENNIS BEISO – GENERAL SECRETARY, THE GIBRALTAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Dear Supporter, encounter. In fact, this is not the first time
“I AM SURE WE WILL
ALL AGREE THAT THE
that Liechtenstein have played us in our
AWAY MATCH IN
Welcome once again to the Victoria national stadium.
Stadium for our second home match in the
VADUZ LAST MONTH
UEFA Nations League. Our national teams first crossed swords
WAS A VERY CLOSE
here in March 2016, with the match
Today, we also extend a warm finishing 0-0 in another very tight game.
AND HARD-FOUGHT
Gibraltarian welcome to the players, staff,
AFFAIR, FEATURING
officials and supporters who visit us from Above all I hope you enjoy the game today
Liechtenstein. and that your invaluable support will be
TWO VERY EVENLY
enough to steer the team to our first
BALANCED SIDES.”
I am sure we will all agree that the away competitive points at full international
match in Vaduz last month was a very level.
close and hard-fought affair, featuring two
very evenly balanced sides. Follow the Red and White!
Our hope, of course, is that home DENNIS BEISO
advantage - and you, the 12th man - will General Secretary,
give us that extra edge in today's The Gibraltar Football Association
#ItsComingHome FIVE
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HEAD COACH
JULIO
RIBAS
THE MANAGER LOOKS AHEAD TO TODAY’S UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ENCOUNTER…
Dear Supporters,
“WE ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH; WE HAVE A VERY
YOUNG SQUAD WITH AN APPROXIMATE AVERAGE
AGE OF 23, AND WE WANT TO MAKE THE WHOLE
We are at the start of a new project with
the Gibraltar National Team that fills us
OF GIBRALTAR PROUD WITH THE PASSION AND
all with a great deal of enthusiasm.
DESIRE THAT WE WILL SHOW FOR OUR BADGE,
We have created a footballing family
OUR COLOURS, OUR COUNTRY AND ALL THOSE OF
around the squad which is totally united,
together and working extremely hard to
YOU WHO BECOME OUR 12TH MAN…”
achieve our goals. Day in, day out we are
working hard together on the fundamental
pillars to strengthen and grow this family
and to develop our footballing identity as You can all be sure that tonight each and Thank you once again for coming out
Gibraltarians, whilst at the same time every one of Gibraltar’s players will give tonight to support the team. Get behind
striving to be competitive. their all for the cause. They will be the players, your players.
working as hard as possible to make this
So far the response we are getting is evening a memorable 90 minutes. This is YOUR Gibraltar playing in YOUR
tremendous. Tonight’s visitors, Liechtenstein, will prove stadium, wearing YOUR colours.
to be tough opponents, as is every team
We are on the right path; we have a very we will face in the UEFA Nations League. Enjoy the game…
young squad with an approximate average JULIO
age of 23, and we want to make the They have quick players who are good in
whole of Gibraltar proud with the passion the air and have a solid technical base,
and desire that we will show for our however we will try to play our own brand
badge, our colours, our country and all of football and impose our strengths on
those of you who become our 12th Man, them, the strengths that make
as was the case in the previous home us who we are –
match against FYR Macedonia. Gibraltarians.
#ItsComingHome SEVEN
GIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:37 Page 8 FANTASTIC IT WAS GREAT TO SEE VICTORIA STADIUM PACKED FOR OUR UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ENCOUNTER WITH MACEDONIA LAST MONTH AS HISTORY WAS MADE WITH OUR FIRST COMPETITIVE INTERNATIONAL FIXTURE ON HOME SOIL.
ACLASSACT
GIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:37 Page 9
OLIVERO
STUDENT OLIVERO MAKING HIS MARK…
DESPITE only being 20 years of age, Jayce “If I’m honest I don’t really know,” he admitted.
Olivero has 14 full International caps to his
name and during this time he has established “I let the coach decide that! I feel comfortable
himself as a key member of the team with in both positions and enjoy playing in both.
some assured displays. I’ve played at centre back since a young age so
I’m quite accustomed to the position. Most of
What makes it even more remarkable is that my senior games at domestic level have been
he has managed to do this as well as studying at left back, so I feel good in both positions.”
for a Degree in England.
And what about his thoughts on the game in
“It is a real honour for me to represent my prospect?
country on the International stage,” he said.
“As a young player I would always dream of “I think that our last game against
becoming part of the national team and Liechtenstein really showed our progression
nothing will ever exceed this achievement for and development throughout these years,” he
me. added. “I think the team really put in a shift
and everyone left everything they had on that
“I was very lucky that I was introduced into the pitch.
national team at a very young age, which
helped me massively in terms of my “It’s obviously really disappointing to put in
development and maturity in relation to the such a good performance and not take any
game. points from the game, however, I believe that
we took a lot of things from the game. It
“It’s a very tough and challenging process but I showed us that we can play at that top level
feel that I have adapted to it well. I have “On the other hand, I also have the option of and that were are able to pin teams down and
always maintained focus on my goal and I completing an extra year in the UK, which will put them on the back-foot.
know that I have to keep my standards high to set me up well to become a teacher.
keep my place. “It was a very positive performance, but we
“I’m still unsure and will have to weigh out the must keep working and our hunger to improve
“Obviously studying for my Degree whilst also options and see which one is best.” will translate into tonight’s game.
dedicating my time to football is very
demanding. Since a young age, I have always Olivero is a product of the Gibraltar youth “It’s still very much a learning process for us all
been committed to sport and school work. ranks, playing in all of the age groups that lead and each game we strive to improve and
to the senior team, which has stood him in progress.
“Along the years I found methods which good stead.
worked best for me and helped me do the best “The support from the crowd is also going to
I can in both areas. “The experience of playing youth be important. It has been incredible since I
internationals has been an integral part of my have been involved with the senior team and
“Studying a degree abroad is obviously a progression and development as a footballer,” they have overcome many barriers to be able
bigger challenge. However, I still install my he added. “Before playing in these high-calibre to support the team.
own methods of keeping organised and games, I was not aware of how much there is
focused to make sure that I don’t fall behind in to learn about the game. “All I can say to our fans is to keep cheering
either area. us on and supporting our efforts like they have
“The youth internationals really helped me to always done. We are forever be grateful for
“The university have also given me a lot of step up my game and significantly improved the undying support we receive from our home
help and have aided me in being able to my knowledge and develop a different fans and will chase every ball, slide into every
manage playing and studying. perspective. It made me appreciate the value tackle and kick every ball, even when we
of playing for your country which in turn had a physically feel we can no longer do so, so we
“I have various options and routes that I could great effect on the extra hours and hard work I can in turn repay that unfaltering support only
take once I complete my studies; it’s about put in to improve.” the people of Gibraltar know how to give.
selecting the path that will benefit me most. I
could possibly return to Gibraltar and dedicate So, having featured both in the heart of “Cheer, sing and edge us on, you are our 12th
a year to just football whilst also doing some defence and at left-back, which position does man on that field and more times than not, you
NINE
work on the side. he favour? do play with us on that pitch!”
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NATIONS LEAGUE
AN EXCITING NEW ERA OF INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL...
promotion and relegation as the competition
evolves, and it will work in conjunction with
qualification for the finals of UEFA EURO and
the FIFA World Cup in order to streamline those
particular qualifying competitions.
The competition will work on a two-year cycle,
with the overall UEFA Nations League winner
WE ARE delighted to be part of an exciting new
being confirmed every odd year.
era of international football as the UEFA
Nations League is now in full swing. The new initiative will reduce the number of
friendly internationals, but there will remain a
Designed to reduce the number of friendly
space in the international calendar for friendly
fixtures and subsequently give international
matches against teams from different
matches outside of major tournament qualifiers
confederations. This is particularly important as
more meaning, the new competition will change
teams prepare to compete in the finals of the
the landscape of international football in
World Cup.
Europe.
However, the addition of this new international
The inaugural draw for the competition took
competition adds a competitive edge and
place in January where Gibraltar were drawn in
excitement, as the small groups of between
Group D4 of League D alongside FYR
three and four teams will ensure that each and
Macedonia, Armenia and Liechtenstein.
every game matters.
All 55 UEFA nations compete across four
There will be an outright UEFA Nations League
separate leagues (A-D), which were decided by
winner every two years from the four group
the coefficient ranking system at the time of the
winners of League A who will compete in the
draw.
semi-finals and then the final. The inaugural
Each league has four groups. There will be winner will be decided in 2019.
TEN #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:38 Page 11
Games are played on a home and away
basis with fixtures taking place between
September and November this year.
Qualification for EURO 2020 will then take
place between March and November 2019.
The four Group B winners will be promoted
to League A, and the four bottom teams will
be relegated to League C ahead of the next
UEFA Nations League competition in 2020.
Meanwhile, the top four-ranked League B
teams that do not qualify for EURO 2020
will enter the play-offs, where one place at
the finals will be on offer.
League D Group 4 results after the first two
matchdays are, as follows:
MATCHDAY 1
ARMENIA 2 LIECHTENSTEIN 1
MATCHDAY 2
GIBRALTAR 0 FYR MACEDONIA 2
FYR MACEDONIA 2 ARMENIA 0
LIECHTENSTEIN 2 GIBRALTAR 0
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
TUESDAY OCTOBER 16TH 2018
GIBRALTAR v LIECHTENSTEIN (20:45)
ARMENIA v FYR MACEDONIA
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16TH 2018
GIBRALTAR v ARMENIA (20:45)
LIECHTENSTEIN v FYR MACEDONIA
MONDAY NOVEMBER 19TH 2018
FYR MACEDONIA v GIBRALTAR (20:45)
LIECHTENSTEIN v ARMENIA
#ItsComingHome ELEVENGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:38 Page 12
MEMORY
MATCH
CHARLIE CUMBO LOOKS BACK AT KEY GAMES FROM THE PAST…
JANUARY 14th 1952 saw the all- our back-line and Panic was able to head
conquering Red Star Belgrade team arrive home from close range.
on The Rock to take on a Gibraltar Selection
as part of their tour, which took in Europe The final minutes saw Stankovic complete
and Morocco. the scoring with a dipping lob from distance
which found Costa out of position to give
By an unkind twist of fate, a sudden his side a 4-1 victory.
downpour of rain and hailstones came in
the build-up to kick-off and left the pitch Red Star Belgrade proved to be a fast and
resembling a lake. We managed to hold onto our advantage direct side who enjoyed some neat
for the next 22 minutes before Kaloperovic passages of play and tried to attack at
22 pairs of boots then proceeded to churn hit the equaliser into the roof of the net to every opportunity despite the tricky pitch.
up the surface into a mud bath, but despite make it 1-1, and that is how the scoreline
these conditions, our visitors played some remained going into half-time. They also put in some robust challenges in
great football, showing the skill and ability their determination to win the game. In
which had seen them overcome all After the restart, our visitors started to get fact, there was no quarter given by either
challengers on their European and more on top and adapted well to the side in what was an entertaining battle.
Moroccan tour. treacherous conditions.
Pictured we see the Gibraltar selection line-
However, it was Gibraltar who took the lead They were able to add three more goals to up before kick-off and also local referee,
with just eight minutes on the clock when a their tally during the second half. The first Antonio Celecia, signalling for a goal as we
cross from the right fell to Cooper who got came just a few minutes into the second took an early lead – just look at that pitch!
in a low and powerful strike that flew past period when Antic tried his luck and the ball
Nicolic in the visitors’ goal. found its way home via a wicked deflection GIBRALTAR SELECTION: Costa, Gonzalez, Ramos,
off a home defence. Gavilan, Byrne, J. Ramos, Goodman,
It meant that the Yugoslav Champions Rienda, Beiso, McMahon, Cooper. Subs:
found themselves in the unfamiliar position It was unlucky on us and we fell further Fernandez, Francis, Duo, Origo, Cardona,
of being behind. behind when a corner caused concern for Duarte, Barnes, Mata.
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23 years old, 15 caps, one goal, and around the
squad since before our first-ever competitive
match, how has your time with the national team
been?
My time with the national team has been has
been incredible, in all aspects, and if God
permits will continue doing so until I retire. I
have been involved with the senior squad
since the age of 16 and my transition has
ANTHON
been a hard but exciting one. With older great
players in the squad I have had to learn and
train myself hard to achieve to be what, I
hope I am - an important player in the squad. I
have always believed in my ability and will
continue to work as hard as I possibly can to
be the best player I can be for Gibraltar
What would be your most memorable moment in
international football so far?
HERNAND
My most memorable moment in international
football so far would have to be when I
scored my first international goal against
Cyprus in the World Cup Qualifiers. It was
IN CONVERSATION
such a great feeling to score for my country
on such a big stage. Although we didn’t get a
result on that day it proves that we have it in
us to get one down the line as we were
minutes away from doing so. Hopefully I will
score many more goals for Gibraltar in the
future.
The UEFA Nations League – is it different to the
usual World Cup and European Qualifiers?
Every time I walk out onto the pitch, wearing
our shirt, with the Gibraltar badge on, it’s a
special occasion for me – one which I don’t
take lightly. Nowadays every nation is
competitive with players of great level and
quality. However, I do feel we get the
opportunity in The Nations League to play
against sides like Liechtenstein which is a
country of a population and stature similar to
ours. In our away match against them we put
in a great performance and deserved a result.
Hopefully that happens today
Back in Gib full-time now and starring for
Lincoln. Are you in a good place football wise at
the moment?
I’m enjoying my football at Lincoln as it
stands and being chosen to represent my
FOURTEEN #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:38 Page 15
country on a regular basis is something which I
don’t take for granted. I work myself hard every
day to keep on improving as a player and am
aiming to reach a higher football level as I get
ONY
older. Who knows what is in store for me in my
career as I’m only 23 and still have loads to
learn and improve.
Where do you see is your best position as you have
featured everywhere in midfield and even as a
number 9 your time with the national team?
I believe my best position is the number 10 role,
behind the striker, but I always put the want to
be an asset for any manager and whatever
NDEZ
position he sees fit for me. This improves my
game in many aspects, as I can perform various
roles all over the pitch.
What can we expect from the game tonight given
the previous game away in Liechtenstein when we
dominated, you hit the bar, but we ultimately lost 2-
0?
I believe tonight is going to be a day which will
go down in history for us because I firmly
believe we can get a result. Simple as that. We
proved what we are capable of in the first
game, away in Vaduz, although they took the
three points on that occasion. Today is going to
be different and we will get what we deserve.
What does the future hold for Anthony Hernandez?
I believe football puts every player in his place
in the long run and every player gets what they
deserve within their limitations. My aim is to
keep working hard every day and hopefully
big things are in store for me!
Pictures:
Ian Martinez/
Gibraltar FA
#ItsComingHome FIFTEENGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:39 Page 16
GIBRALTAR LIECHTENSTEIN
MATCH OFFICIALS
PLD SUB PLD SUB REFEREE
GOALKEEPERS: GOALKEEPERS:
ASSISTANT REFEREE 1
TBA
MATT CAFER BENJAMIN BÜCHEL
ASSISTANT REFEREE 2
KYLE GOLDWIN THOMAS HOBI TBA
JUSTIN OSPELT
DEFENDERS:
FOURTH OFFICIAL
TBA
LOUIS ANNESLEY DEFENDERS: TBA
ERIN BARNETT FABIAN EBERLE
ETHAN BRITTO MAXIMILIAN GÖPPEL
JOSEPH CHIPOLINA MICHELE POLVERINO
ROY CHIPOLINA DANIEL KAUFMANN
JEAN CARLOS GARCIA ANDREAS MALIN
ETHAN JOLLEY MARTIN RECHSTEINER
JAYCE OLIVERO SANDRO WIESER
JACK SERGEANT SEYHAN YILDIZ
MIDFIELDERS: MIDFIELDERS:
ANTHONY BARDON MARTIN BÜCHEL
KYLE CASCIARO VINZENZ FLATZ
ANDREW HERNANDEZ ROBIN GUBSER
ANTHONY HERNANDEZ NICOLAS HASLER
ALAIN PONS LIVIO MEIER
LIAM WALKER ARON SELE
SCOTT BALLANTINE MARCO WOLFINGER
SANDRO WOLFINGER
FORWARDS: MARCEL BÜCHEL
GEORGE CABRERA PHILIPPE ERNE
LEE CASCIARO NIKLAS KIEBER
JAMIE COOMBES DENNIS SALANOVIC
REECE STYCHE
FORWARDS:
STANDBY DANIEL BRÄNDLE
DAYLE COLEING GÜR OLCAY
JAMIE ROBBA ARMANDO HEEB
GRAEME TORRILLA JENS HOFER
KEVAGN ROBBA DARIO KAISER
MICHAEL NEGRETTE LORENZO LO RUSSO
LEON CLINTON CLAUDIO MAJER
TJAY DE BARR MATHIAS SELE
SIXTEEN #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:39 Page 17
PHOTO: Neil Wilson.
#ItsComingHome SEVENTEENGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:39 Page 18
HISTORY IN
THE MAKING
GIBRALTAR 0
FYR MACEDONIA 2
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
(LEAGUE D, GROUP 4)
VICTORIA STADIUM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH 2018
THERE WAS HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS WE STEPPED OUT IN FRONT OF A PACKED HOUSE AT VICTORIA STADIUM FOR
OUR FIRST-EVER COMPETITIVE INTERNATIONAL FIXTURE HERE ON THE ROCK.
It was a real spine-tingling moment for It was from the resulting corner that they
everyone and the players responded with were able to double their advantage when
a lively start to the game. Alioski found space on the edge of the
area and as the ball fell out to him, he
The early exchanges saw Hernandez was able to lash home into the bottom
almost thread a ball through for De Barr corner of the net.
but the visitors’ defence was alert to the
danger and Ristevski was able to clear. As the clock ticked down in the first half,
The next raid saw Pons put in an inviting Goldwin was athletic to deny Spirovski GIBRALTAR: Goldwin, J. Chipolina, Sergeant,
cross into the danger zone which posed whose powerful drive was tipped over the L. Casciaro (Garcia 89), Bardon, Walker,
more questions of the opposition back- crossbar. We started the second half in Pons (Gerro 75), Olivero, Barnett,
line but they were able to clear their lines. much the same vein as the first, looking Hernandez, De Barr (Styche 80).
lively and determined. Subs not used: Cafer, Coleing, Torrilla,
There was plenty to be encouraged about Annesley, R. Chipolina, Hernandez, Lopez.
from the opening quarter-of-an-hour but it There was some skilful play, particularly BOOKINGS: Barnett, De Barr.
was our visitors who were able to get in wide positions where both Pons and De
their noses in front following a rare foray Barr were showing a willingness to get on FYR MACEDONIA: Dimitrievski, Ristevski,
forward as Ristovski got in a low cross the ball and try to make things happen. Musliu, Trickovski, Alioski. Trajkovski
that picked out Trickovski who was able to (Elmas 68), Pandev (Nestorovski 46), Bardi
guide the ball home from close range. An effort from Walker curled just wide of (Bejtulai 85), Ristovski, Nikolov, Spirovski.
the target as we searched for a way back Subs not used: Nilson, Tosevski, Cikarski,
As our opponents started to get into their into the game, but we found our Velkoski. BOOKINGS: Trickovski, Alioski.
stride, a through-ball was seized upon by opponents in stubborn mood as they kept GOALSCORERS: Trickovski, Alioski.
Bardi who saw his strike bravely blocked us at bay and played out the rest of the
by Goldwin. game to secure a 2-0 victory. Pictures: Ian Martinez/Gibraltar FA
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#ItsComingHome NINETEENGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:39 Page 20
PLENTY OF
POSITIVES
LIECHTENSTEIN 2
GIBRALTAR 0
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
(LEAGUE D, GROUP 4)
RHEINPARK STADION
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH 2018
OUR DESTINATION WAS LIECHTENSTEIN THREE DAYS LATER FOR OUR LATEST UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ENCOUNTER.
It was the home side who looked to make just off target from a good position.
the early running with a chance within the Whilst we deserved to be at least on level
opening minutes which was well dealt with terms going into the break, we found
by Olivero. ourselves trailing by a single goal and we
set about the task of getting back into the
At the other end, Hernandez got in a strike game in opening exchanges of the second
that was blocked before the same player period.
saw a curling effort rattle the woodwork as
the home side breathed a huge sigh of We put together some decent passages of
relief. play but we couldn’t make them count as LIECHTENSTEIN: Buchel, Goppel, Kaufmann,
the home side defended resolutely. Quintans, Sele, Wieser, Salanovic, Meier
We were certainly looking capable of There was a smart save to deny Olivero, (Kieber 89), Hasler, Wolfinger (Kuhne 74),
getting our noses in front but it was the whilst Walker was also thwarted by the Gubser (Yildiz 82). Subs not used: Hobi, Lo
home side who broke the deadlock against home ‘keeper. Russo, Eberle, Malin, Erne, Flatz,
the run of play when Salanovic made a Rechsteiner. BOOKINGS: Wieser, Salanovic,
purposeful break before firing home. Despite our best efforts, we fell 2-0 behind Wolfinger. GOALSCORERS: Salanovic, Wieser.
as the clock ticked down when Weiser was
It was a real blow to us after the start we able to find the net and that is how the GIBRALTAR: Goldwin, J. Chipolina, Sergeant,
had made and we almost fell further behind scoreline stayed. L. Casciaro, Bardon, Walker, Pons (Garro
shortly afterwards when the home side 46), Olivero, Barnett, Hernandez, De Barr
seized upon a loose pass only for Goldwin It may have been our second defeat in a (Styche 71). Subs not used: Cafer, Coleing,
to come to the rescue with a save. row in the UEFA Nations League, but there Garcia, Torrilla, Annesley, R. Chipolina,
were definitely plenty of positives to come Hernandez, Britto. BOOKINGS: Sergeant, De
As we looked to get back into our stride, out of the overall performance and we will Barr, Styche.
Casciaro saw an effort saved before a free- be looking to build upon these in the
kick found the head of Chipolina who was matches ahead. Pictures: Ian Martinez/Gibraltar FA
TWENTY #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 21
#ItsComingHome TWENTY ONEGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 22
THE OPPOSITION
Mat Guy gives us the lowdown on today’s opponents…
The Principality of Liechtenstein is a
landlocked micro state of some 62
square miles between Switzerland
and Austria. With a population of
38,000, it is one of the three
smallest states within UEFA
(Gibraltar and San Marino being
the other two).
Liechtenstein joined UEFA and FIFA in
1974, but didn’t play its first international match until
June 1981, when this fledgling national team took
part in a small tournament called The Presidents Cup
in South Korea. It would be Ludwig Sklarski (pictured)
that made history with the first ever goal for
Liechtenstein in their first ever match – a 1-1 draw
with Malta in Daejon.
A 2-0 defeat to Thailand, and a 3-2 victory against
Indonesia in Jeonju followed, but it would be another
four months before the team would play a first ever
home international.
It was Ludwig Sklarski again, a player who appeared
for Bayern Munich’s junior sides before spells in
Belgium with KV Kortrijk and Switzerland with FC
Zurich (where he won the league in 1981) who scored
Liechtenstein’s first-ever goal within the principality.
A lone strike was enough to beat Malaysia in a
friendly win in Balzers in October 1981, watched by
700.
For Sklarski that would be as good as it got on the
international scene, with Liechtenstein playing only
two further fixtures over the next nine years. Indeed,
between 1990 and 1993 they featured in only three
more friendlies, before in 1994 the principality took
part in its first-ever UEFA competition, qualifiers for
Euro 96.
TWENTY TWO #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 23
Franz Burgmeier Frick should score one of Liechtenstein’s two goals in
that historic first competitive win over Azerbaijan in
1998.
Despite having retired, the Frick name still contributes
to the fortunes of the national team with Mario’s son,
Yannick, having made six international appearances
while developing his game first at Austrian Bundesliga
side SC Rheindorf, and latterly at Pro Piacenza in Serie C
in Italy.
It would be a mixed bag for and away during the Euro 2004 Yannick isn’t the only Liechtensteiner plying his trade
Liechtenstein, though far from a qualifying campaign. Goals from abroad. Nicolas Hasler plays for Chicago fire in the
baptism of fire. A 4-1 defeat to Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney MLS, and Denis Salanovic is in Switzerland with FC
Northern Ireland in the opening in front of 65,000 people at Old Thun. But it is Marcel Buchel who has followed Frick
round of matches was followed by Trafford the only damage incurred at senior in leading the way for this current crop of players,
narrow losses to Switzerland (2-0) the Theatre of Dreams. with Cremonese, Bologna, Empoli, and Juventus (where
and Latvia (1-0). Heavier defeats he played in a Europa League match against RB
against Portugal (8-0 away and 7-0 A year later and a Burgmeier Salzburg) among his former employers. He is currently at
at home), and a 7-0 loss away to inspired comeback against Portugal Hellas Verona.
Austria were interspersed with a saw an unlikely 2-2 draw at the
goalless draw at home to the Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz during the Due to Liechtenstein’s size, there are only seven football
Republic of Ireland. 2006 World Cup qualifiers. teams within the principality. With eight being the
minimum requirement for an officially UEFA sanctioned
A year later, during qualification for Though Liechtenstein’s last league, the principalities’ teams play within the Swiss
the 1998 FIFA World Cup, qualifying campaign for the 2018 football pyramid.
Liechtenstein would suffer their World Cup reads played ten, lost
heaviest international defeat when ten, they did have to face both Of them, FC Vaduz are the most successful, having
they lost 11-1 at home to Spain and Italy, and narrow defeats competed in the Swiss Super League as recently as
Macedonia. Fitting then that this both home and away to Albania and recently as last year, though they currently find
UEFA Nations League campaign Israel suggests that they are closing themselves in the second tier. Beneath Vaduz and USV
gives them an opportunity for the gap on a number of nations. Eschen/Mauren are in the fourth tier, and FC Balzers in
revenge. the fifth tier.
No doubt inspired by Liechtenstein
It would be in 1998 when the legend, Mario Frick (pictured), who Though this means that they can never qualify for the
principality would register its first with more than 120 caps, and a Champions League, Liechtenstein do have an entrant
competitive victory, defeating record 16 international goals, is the into the Europa League via the winners of the
Azerbaijan 2-1 in a Euro 2000 man everyone looks up to. Liechtensteiner Cup, which has been competed for since
qualifier in Vaduz. 1946. Reserve and third teams from the seven clubs
Starting out at FC Balzers in his help make up the numbers.
Since then Liechtenstein have homeland, he scored 49 goals in 97
secured a further six competitive games. This alerted bigger clubs in Unsurprisingly, Vaduz have dominated, winning 46 cups
wins, the last coming in November neighbouring Switzerland, and he in total, and 20 of the last 21 editions. The only blip on
2014 when a Franz Burgmeier would go on to play 250 games for their success being in 2012, when USV Eschen/Mauren
(pictured) goal saw off Moldova in St Gallen, Basel, and Zurich before beat them on penalties after a 2-2 draw. USV would go
Chisinau during qualification for moving to Italy. on to lose three one on aggregate to FH of Iceland in the
Euro 2016. first qualifying round, though Vaduz did reach the third
Spells at Arezzo, Hellas Verona, qualifying round in the 15/16 season, losing on away
Notable mention must also go to Ternana, and Siena saw him play goals to FC Thun.
the team of 2003, who restricted 268 times, with 100 in Serie A.
England to 2-0 victories both home It would be fitting therefore that It is a proud footballing history for such a tiny nation.
#ItsComingHome TWENTY THREEGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 24
Walker’s wonder strike against Greece;
the monumental battle against Cyprus
that saw us almost get our first official
point.
The new Nations League format gives
Gibraltar a chance to face teams of a
similar level, although Macedonia are
arguably a level above the rest in the
group. There are reasons to believe that
the first elusive point may not be too far
away; the performance in Liechtenstein
was one to be proud of with more
possession than in any other away game
and it has seen fans racing to buy tickets
for today’s return encounter. And why not?
The Victoria Stadium is already creating a
wonderful atmosphere with a reduced
FROM THE
capacity of 2,000. It will be incredible
when the full refurbishment is complete.
COMMENTARY BOX
The big question is can Gibraltar get their
first official points on the board sooner
rather than later? One thing’s for sure,
neither Liechtenstein or Armenia will be
looking forward to their visits to the Rock
THE THOUGHTS OF PAUL BREEN-TURNER…
and I truly believe something historic
could be heading our way. You only had
to look at the GBC commentary box
during the last game here against
Macedonia. Neither Robin Sheppard-
Capurro or Davy Wilson were able to sit
down throughout the entire 90 minutes!
I hope you won't mind me giving a special
mention to all the GBC production team
who work so hard behind-the-scenes on
these live matches. It really is a team
effort from them, much like those lads in
red and white on the pitch.
I will leave you with this final thought;
what is going to happen when the
WHEN Gerard Teuma, the head of GBC TV, The answer without doubt is a resounding Liechtenstein National Anthem plays in
asked if I’d be interested In covering what yes! Victoria Stadium ahead of the game?
turned out to be an historic Champions
League qualifier between Lincoln Red I've found myself dragged along on a I never knew their anthem had the same
Imps and Celtic a few seasons ago, I was wave of enthusiasm, determination, but music as God Save The Queen but with
not sure what to expect. more importantly, pride. Talk to any different words! I would guess that, like
Gibraltarian and ask how they feel when me, most of you also didn’t know this fact,
I had more or less retired from the National Anthem rings out ahead of a so at least you have learned this from my
broadcasting and my days on TalkSport in match and they will tell you the score is musings if nothing else!
London and covering La Liga for Mediapro not the most important thing; it's a
seemed a lifetime ago. Football on The learning curve. We have already had so Best wishes to you all…
Rock was new to me; it seemed so small, many memorable moments; Lee PAUL BREEN-TURNER
could a nation of 30,000 really compete? Casciaro’s winner against Celtic, Liam Twitter: @paulbreenturner
TWENTY FOUR #ItsComingHome
#ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 25
LIAMWALKER
FIVE MINUTES WITH. . .
NAME: LIAM WALKER
AGE: 30
POSITION: MIDFIELDER
Liam, firstly how did it feel to finally play a
competitive international fixture, at home
in Gibraltar at the Victoria Stadium in front
of a sell-out crowd?
It was absolutely amazing, the
atmosphere was great. It is what we
have been wanting ever since we joined
UEFA and FIFA, to be playing on our
home ground in front of all our fans and
family. The Estadio Algarve is a great
stadium, and the way we were treated
there was excellent and we thank
everyone there for it, but there is nothing
like being on our Rock!
So what about tonight? What can we expect obviously wasn’t the player to suit Kevin
How have you found the UEFA Nations League from the game? Nolan’s style of play which was long
competition so far? Is there a major Tonight I feel it will be another close ball. I’m a player who wants the ball on
difference to the usual World Cup and game, very similar to the away game, the ground – it’s how I have grown up
European Qualifiers? where they will look to break with pace. I playing the game. So it was a hard
So far I feel we have done well. FYR feel if we take our chances we could get season personally as I didn’t get the
Macedonia are a strong side; I would say a result. playing time that I would have liked.
up there as one of if not the favourites in
League D of The Nations League, so I Tonight will be Julio Ribas’ fourth game in So what does the future hold for Liam
feel it was a respectful result. Then charge. What impact has he had on the Walker then? Do you see yourself making a
against Liechtenstein we had between squad as a whole? move abroad again at this stage in your
50 and 60% possession and created Since Julio has come in there is a very career?
some good chances to score. The result positive vibe around the place, he knows
didn’t do justice to a great performance. how to get the players motivated and At the moment I’m a Europa FC player,
We want to build off that and keep most of all he has come in with his idea where I’m happy. It’s a club who have
getting better and competing as we have and how he wants us to play and the treated me brilliantly, respected me and
done so far. team is responding well. We are going in appreciated me as a player. But nobody
the right direction and I’m sure Julio is knows what the future is in football as
Last time out, away in Liechtenstein, we going to do a great job for Gibraltar and many things can change.
were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline, the GFA. He is a very passionate person
despite dominating the game. Was that hard who has had his whole life in football And finally do you have a message for the
to take, coming off the field in an and I am sure the future under him will fans tonight?
international match thinking we should be bright. Carry on supporting the team as you
have taken something away from that game? always have. To us it’s very important to
It was hard to take because, like I said, I On a personal level you have made the move have you all behind us and be sure that
thought we put in a very good back home to Gibraltar, back to Europa FC every single player who puts the
performance. It was a shame we couldn’t after a year in England with Notts County, Gibraltar shirt on will be giving
finish off our chances but I feel we what made you come back? everything they have and playing with all
deserved to get a result out of the match. Yes, I’m happy to be back at Europa FC; it their heart, passion and determination
was a hard season in England. I for the badge and colours!
TWENTY FIVEGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 26
THETWELTHPLAYER
ELEVEN PLAYERS WILL WALK ONTO A FIELD ONCE AGAIN TODAY. IF THE CLOUDS STAY AWAY THE SUN WILL ONCE
AGAIN SHINE THROUGH THE STADIUM WALLS ONTO THE PITCH TO LIGHT UP THE FIELD.
The golden hue that should, if lucky, cast
its magical tone over the Victoria
Stadium will be over shadowed by a
prominent and iconic feature, the Rock of
Gibraltar. After decades of battling for
Gibraltar’s inclusion in UEFA and FIFA,
and the success in doing so, it took five
years before Gibraltar could state that
football had come home. The Rock of
Gibraltar in the background signalled its
return.
Julio Ribas, Gibraltar’s national coach,
has on more than one occasion pointed
at the Rock of Gibraltar and told his
players what it meant. They were playing embodies everything. It represents every It represents every supporter who
for that “Rock of Gibraltar”. Nowhere in one of the eleven players wearing the couldn’t make it, and every supporter
the world was there such an iconic Gibraltar colours. It represents every who did not wish to make it but is still
monument to Gibraltarianism than in family, every child, father and mother of watching with the same passion and
Gibraltar itself. every player. It represents every emotion. The Rock of Gibraltar is the
generation that has come before them reason as to why those eleven men wear
That was how unique Gibraltar is. That’s and will come after them. It represents the red and white shirts on this day.
how important it should be to the every life lost to safeguard it.
players. Notably, Ribas has consistently It actually does not matter whether the
highlighted what the Rock of Gibraltar The Rock of Gibraltar represents every sun shines or whether the clouds linger
meant. It is not just a piece of limestone person sitting on those seats at the over the Rock, as it does many a day of
sitting overlooking a piece of land. It Victoria Stadium cheering on their team. the year. It is part of the very fabric of
TWENTY SIX #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 27
It might only be football, but it is football
that represents a whole nation. It is
football which represents the dreams
and aspirations of many. Dreams which
kept the society ticking on whilst the
frontier was closed.
It took the minds of the community away
from bad times and provided smiles. It
provides the smiles and tears of the next
moment, as well as the moment of pride
for being a Gibraltarian when results
come. It is more than just kicking a ball.
As Italian philosopher, Humberto Eco,
suggested once that football is the
peaceful way of conducting tribal wars
without the bloodsheds. Where two
nations can compete against each other
without wars. Where two towns from
the same nations can battle without civil
wars.
every player and person in Gibraltar
which makes Gibraltar home. It does not
Cheers and singing will encourage any
matter if it can’t be seen in the dark.
person to step forward and try their
Knowing it is present is enough.
hardest to excel. Even silence will have
its own meaning which will motivate a
No longer will the Gibraltar national
player when they are playing on home
team have to feign playing on home soil
It was played just metres away from soil. It marks the difference where there
knowing full well that its 400kms away.
where many had many a day dreamt that isn’t even the need of a coach telling you
That the closest they could call Faro their
they would one day play International for you to know that you need to step it
home was the fact that they had hired
football for their country. Just doors up. A thousand, two thousand others will
out a stadium for a few days and tried to
away from the homes of some of them, be telling you just that.
make it their own.
down the road from the homes of others.
A small journey home for the others but There is no hiding the fact that the ‘12th
The importance of playing on home soil
just as much part of their home. man’ is the player that can make the
was clearly highlighted by Julio Ribas
difference when the going gets tough,
just a couple of weeks ago when he tried
When before they would have had to and it will many a time as Gibraltar tries
to explain how his players felt on
look deep within themselves to find that to find its identity and feet on the
walking onto the field to a packed
energy and momentum that would push international football stage.
Victoria Stadium.
them beyond their limits when things
were not going the way they wanted, Which is why the 12th man must be
Eleven men faced the Rock whilst their
they now only had to wait for those heard. Make some noise and let them
national anthem played on one of the
around them to provide them the push know you are watching.
most symbolic gestures played out at the
stadium in recent years as they signalled and remind them why they were there.
WORDS: Stephen Ignacio, Gibraltar
that they were truly playing at home.
A player looking up at the stands could Chronicle IMAGES: Neil Wilson
To them it was more than just the first now see their child, their wife, their
official competitive International match parents, their next door neighbour or
to be played at the Victoria Stadium. It friends and know that they were at
was the first official competitive match home. They no longer just represented
on home soil with their own people football in Gibraltar, they represented
surrounding them. Played on a pitch in Gibraltar itself. They could hear the
which through history their people had familiar voices of every day.
made sacrifices to ensure they could call
their own.
#ItsComingHome TWENTY SEVENGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 28
LEAGUE REVIEW
WITH THE INTERNATIONALS COMING THICK AND FAST, THE PREMIER DIVISION HAS TAKEN A LITTLE BIT OF A BACK SEAT
RECENTLY, BUT AFTER TONIGHT’S GAME, THERE ARE THREE GAME WEEKS SCHEDULED, WITH SOME GREAT GAMES ALONG THE
WAY BEFORE THE LEAGUE AGAIN TAKES A BREAK FOR NOVEMBER’S INTERNATIONALS.
League leaders Lincoln return to action on Mons won 5-0. As for Phoenix, apart from Olympique face off on Matchday 6 –
the 22nd when they take on Gibraltar Europa they take on Glacis, Boca and while it may not have the spark of last
United – a team who beat them in their Lions – games they’ll need to be taking season’s meetings, both teams will be
last meeting. After that, the reigning wins from. raring to take three points off a potential
champions face Lynx on October 27th, title rival, while Europa Point v College
before facing newly-promoted Boca on Elsewhere, there’s plenty to look forward could provide a potential banana-skin for
November 2nd. to with the likes of Lynx, much improved Europa Point; much like when they drew
from last season, and Glacis, who are with Hound Dogs last season.
St. Joseph’s suffered a blow when losing proving to be a tough team to crack, all
5-0 to Lincoln recently, but they’ll need to facing teams around them. And while the There’s also Leo, who take on three of the
bounce back when they take on Europa on likes of Lions and Boca have had difficult title-chasers and aim to cause upsets
the 20th – arguably the marquee fixture of starts to the season, both sides are against all of them.
Matchday 5. It doesn’t get easier for improving and will be looking to get
Saints either, who then must take on elusive results to start building up
It’s fair to say that there is plenty of great
Mons Calpe on the 25th, and then Glacis, confidence.
football action to come over the weeks
who have already taken four points off
ahead with thrills and spills aplenty
Europa and Mons Calpe, on November Meanwhile, the Second Division is
guaranteed. Come along to Victoria
4th. beginning to take shape and there are
four rounds of fixtures, starting tomorrow Stadium and show your support.
After taking on St. Joseph’s, Europa have where Hound Dogs face College 1975 at
a rearranged fixture against Gibraltar 20:30. Manchester 62 have a bye on Words: Dan Griffin Pictures: Neil Wilson
Dan writes for Football Gibraltar, official
Phoenix on the 24th, then another game Matchday 5, owing to the fact there’s
Gibraltar FA and UEFA correspondents
four days later against Gibraltar United. seven teams in the division, before three
and the first dedicated football site on
On Matchday 7, Gibraltar United face consecutive fixtures which they’ll be
Mons Calpe – a repeat of last season’s looking to take maximum points from.
Gibtelecom Rock Cup semi-final which Elsewhere in the division, Magpies and the Rock, having started back in 2010.
TWENTY EIGHT #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:40 Page 29
#ItsComingHome TWENTY NINEGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:41 Page 30
COMING UP NEXT
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE LEAGUE D – GROUP 4 MATCHDAY 5
GIBRALTAR V ARMENIA FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH 2018 – KICK-OFF 8.45PM
WE FACE our third and final home group emerged as a player of top international
game of this inaugural UEFA Nations calibre.
League competition next month when
Armenia visit us here at the Victoria They are yet to qualify for a major
Stadium. tournament but definite progress is being
made by the team known as the
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, ‘Mountaineers’, who are back under the
national football federations were guidance of Vardan Minasyan (pictured),
established in all the republics that who previously led the team between
gained independence. 2009 and 2014.
The Football Federation of Armenia was This UEFA Nations League campaign
formed in 1992 along with the national started with a 2-1 home victory over
team, which played its first match in Liechtenstein before they succumbed to
October of that year, a friendly against a 2-0 reverse in Macedonia.
LOOKING AHEAD…
Moldova that ended in a goalless draw.
Their first competitive game came in Since then Armenia have been a Here are our remaining UEFA Nations
September 1994, a 1996 UEFA European permanent fixture in UEFA EURO and League fixtures:
Championship qualifier against Belgium FIFA World Cup qualifying tournaments,
which ended in a 2-0 defeat. earning the notable achievement of FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16TH 2018 -
finishing third in their UEFA EURO 2012 GIBRALTAR v ARMENIA - 20:45
They had to wait until September 1995 group, during which talismanic attacking
for their first competitive victory as they midfielder, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who MONDAY NOVEMBER 19TH 2018
beat FYR Macedonia 2-1. then played for FC Shakhtar Donetsk, FYR MACEDONIA v GIBRALTAR - 20:45
THIRTY #ItsComingHomeGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:41 Page 31
#ItsComingHome THIRTY ONEGIB V NEW:Layout 1 9/10/18 14:41 Page 32
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