As the world watched on in awe as tiny Iceland held footballing giants Argentina to a draw in yesterday’s World Cup game, Maltese viewers were also left with an aftertaste of frustration.

After all, if Iceland – with a population of barely 350,000 – can stymie the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, then what is Malta’s excuse for repeatedly finishing rock bottom in qualification groups?

Once the game was over, several theories started popping up over social media:

1. Iceland’s players are fitter than Malta’s

2. Iceland’s players are taller than Malta’s

3. Iceland has a better quality of life than Malta

4. Iceland’s players all play abroad…unlike Malta’s

5. Malta’s nurseries are way too amateur

6. Maltese football prioritises foreign players over local talent

7. Maltese football needs a massive reboot across the board

Will Malta ever be able to emulate Iceland? Let us know what you think in the comments section

READ NEXT: Captain André Schembri Unveils Vision For Malta To Become Football’s Next Giant-Killers

Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]