Malta….1
Latvia…2
Malta’s U16 women’s team put in a spirited performance but were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Latvia in the UEFA WU16 Development Tournament on Thursday. Despite dominating for large parts of the match and creating numerous chances, they were unable to find an equaliser against a resolute Latvian defence.
Latvia made an immediate impact, pressing high from the start and taking the lead within the opening minute through Megija Krastiņa, whose effort found the net.
However, Malta responded well to the early setback, displaying attacking intent and creating several opportunities. In the 10th minute, Nina Lee Naudi intercepted the ball in midfield, dribbled past her markers, and fired a shot just wide of the post.
The Maltese persistence was rewarded in the 14th minute when a quickly taken corner found Amy Catania, who curled a fine effort past Felicita Leonora Feigina to level the score.
Latvia came close to regaining the lead in the 25th minute when Katrīna Kate Pētersone broke through on goal, but Malta goalkeeper Ezlyana Degiorgio produced a superb save to keep the scores level.
Catania continued to pose a threat for Malta, with a series of attempts on goal. She forced Feigina into a save with a long-range effort, narrowly missed the target moments later, and then made a strong run into the penalty area, only to be denied once more by the Latvian goalkeeper.
Despite sustained pressure, Malta were unable to capitalise on their chances before half-time, and the score remained 1-1 at the break.
Latvia started the second half strongly, much like they did in the first. In the 50th minute, they regained the lead when a well-placed through pass found Keita Zviedre, who dribbled past Degiorgio before slotting into an empty net to make it 2-1.
Malta responded by increasing their attacking efforts, coming close to equalising in the 64th minute. Erika Cini managed to get free inside the penalty area but sent her shot over the bar. Seconds later, Naudi tried her luck from distance, but her effort went wide.
The Maltese side continued to push for an equaliser, but Latvia held firm in defence to secure the 2-1 victory.
Despite the result, Malta can take plenty of positives from the match, having shown attacking flair and resilience. They will now look to end their tournament campaign on a high when they face Northern Ireland on Sunday, 9th March at 13:30hrs.
Starting Line-ups:
Malta:
12 Ezylana Degiorgio (GK), 9 Amy Portelli (C), 5 Amy Catania, 15 Jade Galea (18 Krista Sacco 46’), 8 Kesia Farrugia (11 Edeson Grixti 82’), 10 Alanah Ghio (19 Sara Anneloes Shaladi 82’), 22 Nina Lee Naudi, 6 Erika Cini (20 Izabella Margaret Stringer 65’), 14 Ana Mercieca (4 Amberley Borg 56’), 17 Olivia Nazarko (3 Kay Axiak 56’), 2 Shanaia Mifsud (7 Alessandra Consoli 46’)
Coach: Clint Tabone
Latvia:
1 Felicita Leonora Feigina, 16 Adriāna Daniela Selušinska (2 Viktorija Savuškina 58’), 17 Elizabete Dubinska, 13 Anna Pereligina (4 Līva Strauta 75’), 8 Ketrīna Vorslova (6 Aleksija Ralija Šnaidere 58’), 11 Megija Krastiņa (7 Lote Aleksandrova 46’), 5 Emīlija Ambaine, 20 Laura Kaņupa Kanapeusa (15 Anna Artemjeva 46’), 3 Alise Grigorjeva (10 Keita Zviedre 46’), 19 Katrīna Kate Pētersone (18 Elīza Markvarte 75’), 9 Anete Mirjama Gailīte (14 Jekaterina Haritonova 46’)
Coach: Rihards Gorkšs
Yellow Cards: Jekaterina Haritonova (LAT)
Malta will be aiming to build on this performance and finish the tournament on a strong note in their final fixture.
