Malta managed to obtain the first point in the second edition of the UEFA Nations League, figuring in a 1-1 against Latvia. After the disappointing result and a good performance against the Faroe Islands, Malta continued were it left in Torshavn to obtain a deserved draw against a technically stronger outfit than Faroe Islands.

Malta had a very good start dominating the opening fifteen minutes hitting the base of the upright and eventually taking a deserved lead. Latvia had an immediate and effective reaction pushing the Maltese in their own area till obtaining the equaliser through an unlucky own goal from Matthew Guillaumier.

The remaining minutes of the first half continued to be balanced with the Maltese again taking the upper hand in the final stages.

The second half was less intense as both sides seemed to tire out. In the last quarter of the game, both teams were stretched to the limit and although Latvia had more of the ball they only had one open chance which they missed. Malta held its ground giving a late final push even going close a winner with a missed Steve Borg header.

For Steve Borg this was a special game being the first time he started as captain with the national team. Devid Mangia made only two changes from the match in Torshavn, leaving Steve Pisani and Andrei Agius, introducing Teddy Teuma and Enrico Pepe, the two foreign imports who gained Maltese citizenship only recently.

For Teuma this was the second appearance after his debut against the Faroe Islands, whilst

for the Birkirkara defender this was the debut for the Malta national team. Tactically however, the Malta team did not change shape from the Torshavn match, with Steve Borg, Pepe and Zach Muscat forming the back three with Camenzuli and Mbong on the flanks.

Nwoko was Malta’s striker, supported by Jurgen Degabriele and Gambin, with Guillaumier and Teuma co-ordinating in midfield. Guillaumier had another polished display in midfield, but all players

gave their hearts out, with Steve Borg and Zach Muscat outstanding in defence, and with Teuma giving a very good account of himself.

Mbong and Camenzuli were hard to control in the opening minutes with Ryan Camenzuli unlucky on seven minutes when he pounced on a Latvian defensive blunder but his shot slammed against the base of the upright.

On 14 minutes Zjuzins tested Bonello with a low drive but a minute later Malta took the lead. Mbong was impressive on the right flank going deep inside the area before crossing low towards Nwoko who squeezed the ball home from close range.

The Maltese somehow quickly lost their shape as Latvia immediately pressed for the draw with the Maltese retreating dangerously till the 25 th minutes when Latvia drew level. A corner from the left penetrated a hesitant Malta defence with till the 25 th minutes when Latvia drew level. A corner from the left penetrated a hesitant Malta defence with Dubra’s deflection which was going wide, hitting Guillaumier’s knee and finishing at the back of the net.

Latvia eased the pressure and the Maltese had some good moments with good possession of the ball. However, on 38 minutes, Bonello saved the day when he

blocked Uldrikis’ close range shot and sixty seconds later in a fast break, Luke Gambin brought the best out of the Latvian custodian who saved the ball directed for the corner of the net.

The second half was surely less intense. Latvia had more of the ball but the Maltese were never in danger.

As the game grew old, both sides appeared to be tiring out, and surprise thunderstorm which hit Ta’ Qali did not change matters.

Late in the game Latvia missed their only chance through one of their best players Ikaunieks and the locals almost snatched a winner when Gambin crafted a good freekick with Steve Borg just missing to head home in front of goal.

Photo: Malta captain Steve Borg (L) closes in on Latvia Andrejs Ciganiks during the first half (Domenic Aquilina)