Malta Stuns Finland with Late Goal in Euro Qualifier
HELSINKI,Finland – Malta achieved a stunning 1-0 victory over Finland in a European Championship qualifier on Friday,marking their first win in the current qualifying campaign. The result sends shockwaves through group H, which also includes Poland, who are scheduled to face Malta on Monday.
The match appeared headed for a scoreless draw despite Finland dominating possession and creating numerous chances.Benjamin Kallman hit the post for Finland in the opening minutes, and Joel Pohjanpalo’s follow-up was blocked on the goal line. Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello proved crucial, making several key saves throughout the match, including two at the end of the first half and more after the break.
Though, Malta capitalized on a rare attacking prospect in the 82nd minute when Jake Grech scored the decisive goal.
Finland 0 – Malta 1
Goal: Jake Grech (82′)
Lineups:
Finland: Viljami Sinisalo – Ryan Mahuta (73′ Oiva Jukkola),Juho Lahteenmaki,Ville Koski,Miro Tenho,Oliver Antman (78′ topi Keskinen) - Kaan Kairinen,Adam Marchijew (73′ Naatan Skytta),leo Walta – Benjamin Kallman (78′ Teemu Pukki),Joel Pohjanpalo (61′ Robin Lod).
malta: Henry Bonello – Zach Muscat (79′ Gabriel Mentz), Kurt Shaw, Enrico Pepe (88′ Jean Borg), juan Corbalan – Joseph Mbong (65′ Adam Magri Overend), Matthew Guillaumier, Alexander Satariano, Paul Mbong (79’ Jake Grech), Ilyas Chouaref – Irvin Cardona (88′ andrea Zammit).
Referee: Julian Weinberger (Austria).