MALTA…….3
CROATIA…2
The Malta women’s national team claimed a 3 to 2 victory over Croatia in an international friendly match at the Centenary Stadium in Ta Qali on Friday evening. Malta secured the win with two late goals after falling behind early in the second half. The result forms part of the team’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures and provides a positive boost following a disciplined and determined performance.
Malta made an energetic start to the match and looked to take control against a Croatia side known for its physical presence and structured organisation. The home team opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute following a well constructed move on the right. Maria Farrugia advanced into space and delivered a precise pass to Rachel Cuschieri, who finished from close range to give Malta an early advantage. Croatia attempted to respond through sustained pressure, but Malta’s defensive unit remained compact and limited their opponents to long range crosses. Malta retained their lead at the interval after a composed display.
Croatia began the second half strongly and overturned the scoreline with two goals in rapid succession. In the fiftieth minute, Karla Kurkutovic struck a looping effort that went over goalkeeper Giulia D Antuono to level the match. Just one minute later Ivana Rudelic placed a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area, giving Croatia a 2 to 1 lead.
Malta reacted with increased intensity and pushed Croatia into deeper positions. In the sixtieth minute, Maria Farrugia intercepted a loose ball near the penalty area and set up Shona Zammit, whose attempt went wide of the far post. Malta continued to apply pressure as they searched for an equaliser.
Their efforts were rewarded in the eighty second minute. Leah Ayres advanced down the left flank and delivered a pass to Sara Saliba, who turned inside the area and finished accurately to bring the match level. Malta completed the turnaround only two minutes later. Farrugia controlled the ball in the area and struck a powerful effort that hit the crossbar and crossed the goal line to give Malta a 3 to 2 lead.
Malta maintained composure in the closing stages and defended effectively to secure the result. Both teams will meet again on Monday 1 December for a second international friendly, scheduled to kick off at 17:00.
Malta
Giulia D Antuono, Emma Lipman, Stephania Farrugia, Rachel Cuschieri, Kailey Willis (Sara Saliba 62), Maria Farrugia, Maya Lucia (Alexandra Marcella Gatt 46), Shona Zammit, Yulya Carella (Leah Ayres 79), Nicole Sciberras, Rebecca Bajada
Coach: Manuela Tesse
Croatia
Doris Bacic, Lucia Orkic (Antonia Dulcic 90), Ana Jelenic, Lucija Vunic (Ivana Slipcevic 90), Tea Vracevic, Maja Joscak, Ivana Rudelic (Ella Lustina 90+5), Helena Spajic, Janja Canjevac, Karla Kurkutovic (Izabela Lojna 65), Barbara Zivkovic (Petra Mikulica 65)
Coach: Nenad Gracan
Referee: Emanuela Rusta (Albania)
