Malta 2
Norway 1
Malta: R. Gauci, A. Muscat, S. Bajada, S. Tellus, R. Mintoff, G. Sciberras (K. Sammut), T. Cilia (M. Brincat), C. Cassar (R. Bajada), A. Schembri (P. Fenech), C. Frendo (T. Scerri), A. Agius.
Norway: K. Larsen, M. Skjonberg, K. Onstad, L. Engedal, T. Bertelsen, B. Riise, K. Hostad, P. Vaagan Moen, T. Dahe, D. Fredheim Holm, A. Sistek. Subs: E. Ruud, A. Danielsen, H. Walde, E. Holm, M. Abdellaoue
Referee: Adrian Casha.
Asst refs: J. Camilleri, J. Rapa. 4th official: C. Lautier.
Mark Miller’s youngsters made Malta proud once again yesterday as they scored another prestigious win, this time against Norway, albeit in a friendly match.
After their 3-1 win a fortnight ago against the Italian Under 20 side, they simply confirmed yesterday that the boys are passing through a bright patch.
Despite the strong wind that obviously marred the proceedings as it made ball control very difficult, the Maltese defended in an organised manner and went upfield frequently making the most of the opponents’ defensive deficiencies to take a handsome 2-0 lead before the visitors eventually pulled back one goal 17 minutes from the end.
It was another encouraging performance from these youngsters with Alex Muscat, Shaun Bajada, Shawn Tellus, Ryan Mintoff, Andre Schembri, Cleaven Frendo and Andrei Agius showing all their qualities despite the difficult conditions.
The Norwegians were simply baffled by the sprightliness of the Maltese who appeared faster on the ball and showed more intelligence when working the ball on the perfect Hibs Ground surface.
Malta took the lead on 13 minutes when Engedal headed back to his goalie. The strong wind seemed to have affected the flight of the ball as Andre Schembri anticipated the goalie to lob into the net.
On 21 minutes, Riise had a low shot saved by Malta goalie Gauci and eight minutes later, Fredheim had a shot going wide as Norway, playing with the wind at their backs, pressed for an equaliser.
At the start of the second half, Muscat left three defenders in his wake as he forced his way into the Norwegian half. His final pass went to Cleaven Frendo whose effort went agonisingly just over.
On 64 minutes, Malta scored a second goal, this time from a penalty. It was Cleaven Frendo who converted in style with a hard, low shot, after Engedal had floored Andre Schembri following a Frendo good pass.
Norway insisted and finally managed to get back into contention with a good goal scored by Hove Walde, who hit home a perfect rising shot following some good work from Danielsen.
In added injury time, Malta substitute Terrence Scerri also had an effort going just wide.