Late Comeback Seals Stunning 3-2 Victory for Malta Over Croatia

Malta claimed a remarkable and hard-fought victory over Croatia on Friday evening, overturning a second-half deficit with two late goals in a dramatic finish. The Maltese side began brightly, immediately seeking to assert themselves against their strong opponents. Their early pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Maria Farrugia burst down the right flank and squared the ball to Rachel Cuschieri, who calmly finished from close range to put Malta ahead.

Croatia reacted by pushing Malta deeper, but the hosts remained disciplined and organised, limiting their opponents to long crosses and protecting their narrow lead until half-time.

The visitors started the second half with renewed intensity and quickly turned the match around. Karla Kurkutović levelled the score in the 50th minute with a looping effort over goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono, before Ivana Rudelić struck moments later with a precise low shot into the bottom corner, making it 2-1 to Croatia.

Malta refused to fade, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Leah Ayres’ surging run set up Sara Saliba, who turned smartly before finishing. Just two minutes later, Farrugia struck the winning goal, her powerful effort bouncing off the crossbar and over the line.

Malta held firm in the closing stages to secure a memorable 3-2 win. The teams meet again on Monday 1 December at 17:00.

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