Yesterday night, Malta again gave a valiant performance this time against Russia in Moscow.  Unfortunately the good performance didn’t  amount to anything as Malta lost 2-0. However the Maltese players deserve all the plaudits as they kept themselves in the game and attacked the Russian goal on multiple occasions.

 

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The Maltese team didn’t start off well, as a misplaced to keeper Henry Bonello pass from defender Steve Borg gave the Russians the lead in the 9th minute. The gifted goal did not dishearten the Maltese players as as the half continued, Malta grew into the game and played better sometimes even better than there opponents.

The second half was a better half for Malta. They played out of the back successfully numerous times and even pressed the Russian players, forcing them to do mistakes. Malta had more clear cut chances in the latter stage of the game but their hopes of an equalizer were shattered when the referee awarded a dubious penalty in the 84th minute. The Russians doubled their lead from the penalty and killed off any chances for Malta.

The fact that only a mistake and a dubious penalty were the only things that divided both teams, must be seen as a positive for Malta. A big well done goes to the players who once again has made their country proud.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Malta FA FB