UKRAINE…10
MALTA……..0
Ukraine overwhelmed Malta with a dominant 10-0 victory in their second match of Group B2 in the UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship Qualifiers, with the scoreline reading 6-0 at halftime.
The match started with some early midfield battles, where both teams were evenly matched in the opening exchanges. However, Ukraine quickly took control, opening the scoring with a well-executed move. A ball played down the right wing found Evelina Kuptsova, who finished confidently from close range to give Ukraine the lead.
Malta showed signs of growing into the game, with some good play in midfield, but struggled to break down Ukraine’s defence, particularly with the final pass. On the 20-minute mark, Ukraine nearly doubled their advantage following a swift counter-attack, but Malta’s goalkeeper Julia Maria Zarb pulled off a crucial save to deny Viktoriia Savkina from close range.
Malta had a promising chance of their own in the 25th minute when Tea Kimamo sprinted down the left flank and crossed for Kay Axiak. The latter, under pressure, managed to force Ukraine’s keeper, Anna Kharchenko, into a save. Moments later, Ukraine countered but Daria Kolodii was unable to convert her chance.
By the 28th minute, Ukraine had their second goal. Milena Ivanchenko dribbled past the Maltese defence and calmly slotted the ball home. In quick succession, Karina Lespukh struck twice to make it 4-0. Her first came after a precise through-ball split the Maltese defence, and her second was a perfectly placed lob from Ivanchenko. Ukraine’s relentless attack continued, and just before halftime, Kolodii got her second of the game to make it 6-0.
After the break, Ukraine kept up the pressure. Zarb saved a shot, but the rebound fell to Savkina, who made no mistake, making it 7-0. A few minutes later, Savkina scored again, followed by Sofiia Konovalova’s strike, extending Ukraine’s lead to 9-0 by the 66th minute.
Malta held firm for a brief period, but in stoppage time, Zoriana Hladun added a final goal to complete the 10-0 rout. Despite the overwhelming scoreline, Malta’s players showed determination, continuing to battle until the final whistle.
Malta’s next qualifier will be on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, when they face Moldova at 11:00hrs.
Ukraine Line-up:
Anna Kharchenko (GK), Anastasiia Bieklina, Milena Ivanchenko, Anna Avramenko, Mariia Osadcha, Evelina Kuptsova, Daria Kolodii (Varvara Kozliuk 56′), Karina Lespukh (Sofiia Konovalova 56′), Zoriana Hladun, Viktoriia Savkina (Daria Aremenko 70′), Veronika Derevianko (Valeriia Kazina 46′)
Coach: Serhiy Sapronov
Malta Line-up: Julia Maria Zarb (GK) (C), Lara May Azzopardi (C), Amy Portelli (Shanneil Farrugia 46′), Maia Gauci, Nina-Lee Naudi (Krista Sacco 46′), Alanah Ghio, Jade Galea (Ylenia Debono 76′), Tea Kimamo, Kay Axiak (Shaiel Falzon 76′), Ilona Abela, Alexis Mallia (Thais Muscat 46′)
Coach: Clint Tabone
