Latvia…..1
Malta……1
The Malta Women’s Under-19 national team were forced to settle for a draw in their UEFA Women’s U19 Championship Round 2 qualifier against Latvia, despite taking an early lead.
Malta opened the scoring in the 8th minute through Lara May Azzopardi, who capitalised on an assist by Stella Francalanza. The goal gave Malta an early advantage, rewarding their bright start and setting the tone for a competitive encounter.
Latvia responded well and continued to apply pressure throughout the first half. Though the Maltese defence remained resolute, goalkeeper Erika Muscat was called into action several times, pulling off a string of crucial saves to preserve the lead heading into the break.
The hosts found their equaliser shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Paula Dzene struck home following an assist by Brazauska, levelling the tie and shifting momentum towards the home side. The goal injected energy into the Latvian team, who pushed forward in search of a winner.
The match was full of intensity and featured several bookings. Malta’s Michela Rose Ionadi, Stella Francalanza, and Erika Muscat were all cautioned, reflecting the high stakes of the contest. Despite the physicality, both teams created further chances, with Latvia coming close multiple times and Malta defending with determination.
Late in the game, Malta made attacking substitutions, including bringing on Suzanne Farrugia Sacco in an attempt to find a late winner, but the Latvian defence held firm. In added time, a free-kick from Ionadi offered one last opportunity for Malta, but it failed to trouble the Latvian goalkeeper.
The draw sees both sides earn a point in their UEFA Women’s U19 Championship campaign. For Malta, it was a display of early promise followed by disciplined defending, while Latvia showed character to bounce back and dominate stretches of the second half.
Malta will now play Kazakhstan on the 7th of April.
Line-ups:
1. Kristiāna Ustiņenkova (GK), 2. Kristiāna Punga, 5. Alise Baltrušaite, 6. Tīna Čamane (Captain), 8. Nikola Pinčuka 9. Paula Dzene, 10. Patrīcija Brazauska, 11. Uma Upīte 15. Sofija Gluščuka,18. Alise Gindra, 20. Līva Šteinberga
1. Erika Muscat (GK), 2. Michela Rose Ionadi, 4. Amber Galea, 7. Lara May Azzopardi, 8. Amelia Vassallo, 10. Crista Chetcuti Ganado, 15. Thea Ida Scicluna, 20. Ylenia Azzopardi, 21. Francesca Bartolo (Captain)
22. Stella Francalanza
