Malta suffered its second defeat in two matches yesterday at Frankfurt’s Commerzbank Arena conceding two goals in the second half for the Turks to start their commitments with a victory.

But the Maltese deserve credit for the way they fought bravely against all odds against a stronger side which was made to fight hard to earn the three points.

The match was played in Frankfurst behind closed doors as the Turks are serving a three-match home ban.

After last Saturday’s disastrous 2-5 defeat at the hands of Bosnia- Herzegovina, no one expected Dusan Fitzel’s boys to earn a positive result from this encounter against stronger opponents. But this time, the team produced a strong performance and although they were forced to defend for most of the time, they also found time to create some anxious moments for the Turks.

Till the end of the first half, the Maltese, also inspired by an in-form Justin Haber between the posts and some erratic finishing by the Turkish strikers, managed to hold on to a goalless score, but in the second half, the Turks increased their pressure and they finally ended a frustrating 56 minutes by taking the lead through substitute Nihat who drilled a right-footed striker past Haber from close range.

The second goal which sealed the issue for Turkey arrived on 77 minutes and it was scored by Tumer.

Although Turkey missed a number of chances, they were never allowed too many spaces by the Maltese massed defence which played organised possession football to frustrate their more quoted opponents.

Goalkeeper Justin Haber was among their best players keeping several Turkish efforts out with some good saves.

Malta defender Brian Said made two goal-line saves in the 53rd minute – the first a header by Hakan Sukur and the second a follow-up by Can that Said blocked with his chest while sprawled out on the ground.

Malta also had its moments in attack but Mifsud and Agius had efforts going wide while Wellman also had a freekick being blocked by the Turkish barrier. On the 41st minute, Mifsud seemed to be through but he was judged to be offside. The Lillestrom striker also had another shot blocked by a Turkish defender.

In all, Malta had six shots, one of which was on target, two others were blocked and three went wide.