Malta’s Under 19 national team yesterday lost its first match against Slovakia 4-0 in the qualifying tournament between four teams being played in Slovenia.

Although absorbing most of their opponents’ pressure, the Maltese missed a couple of easy chances in the first half, especially through James Paris.

Malta conceded two goals just before the break through Michal Kamerick and Tomas Miknic, when caught off balance on the counter.

The Maltese lads handed the initiative to Slovakia in the second half and although clearly superior, they created very few scoring opportunities.

But past the hour, Michal Skvarea scored again with a good strike from outside the area.

Slovakia kept stroking the ball around before making it 4-0 in the dying minutes through Vrabler Hartin