Malta……1
Faroe Islands…2
Malta’s Under-17 national team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Faroe Islands in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match, despite controlling much of the game and creating more scoring opportunities.
From the start, Malta looked the stronger side, testing Faroese goalkeeper Sjuroarson on several occasions. The most threatening effort came from Luca Baldacchino in just the 4th minute, when his low strike was well saved.
However, it was the Faroe Islands who took the lead against the run of play in the 20th minute. Referee awarded a penalty after Gianluca Cauchi appeared to foul Pal Muller in the box. Joensen converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Adam Newell the wrong way.
Just before halftime, Gunner Elliot nearly equalised with a brilliant solo effort, only to see his powerful shot crash against the upright in the 43rd minute.
Moments into the second half, the Faroe Islands doubled their advantage. A long ball from Joensen caught the Maltese defence off guard, and Pal Muller beat the onrushing Newell with a well-placed header to make it 2-0.
Malta kept pressing and eventually got a reward for their efforts in the 75th minute, when Zyas Vella Newell fired home a precise low shot to pull one back.
Despite relentless pressure in the final stages, the Maltese side couldn’t find an equaliser. The result means that the Faroe Islands claim their first win in the competition, while Malta suffer their third straight defeat.
While the scoreboard tells one story, Malta’s spirited performance and dominance throughout much of the match will provide encouragement as they look to rebuild and regroup in upcoming fixtures.
Referee: Matthew MacDermid (Skozja)
Starting Line Ups:
Faroe Islands: T.Sjuroarson, S.J.Bjanarson, J.E.Samsson, J.Trondargjogv, R.Helgason, E.E.Joenson, D.Siversten (c), P.Muller, D.A.Olaru, B.M.Olsen, J.Skala.
Malta: A.Newell, D.Miceli. K.Formosa, S.Abo Assaf (c), A.Vella, G.Cauchi, Z.Vella, Newell, D.Pawley, B.Gaerty, G.Elliot, L.Baldacchino.
