Malta registered its first victory in the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers and in the history of the World Cup qualifiers, beating Cyprus in a match completely dominated by the Maltese.
Devis Mangia’s side was in a class of its own yesterday at Ta’ Qali completely outplaying a Cyprus squad reduced to ten men for half of the game. Apart from the result which is historic, it is the way the Maltese obtained this victory that impresses most.
Even before the rather harsh decision of the red card on the 41st minute, the Malta side was playing the better football missing a couple of golden scoring opportunities. In the pre-match press conference Mangia said that the players have now been playing under his helm for the past year and they know what to do.
And the players surely did that yesterday with a brilliant display of possession and attacking football, never seen before by the Malta national team. The result was the natural consequence of such a display as Malta now joins Slovenia and the same Cyprus with four points in the group.
It is difficult to pick Malta’s best as all elements had a great match, but surely Teddy Teuma, Joseph Mbong and Cain Attard deserve a special mention.
Mangia had to field a rather depleted side especially in midfield with the likes of Matthew Guillaumier, Bjorn Kristensen and Luke Gambin missing. Otherwise the team started with the usual set up with the three central defenders Kurt Shaw, Steve Borg and Enrico Pepe, assisted on the flanks by Cain Attard and Camenzuli. Steve Pisani and Teddy Teuma were the midfield pillars, with Luke Montebello and the Mbong brothers forming the attacking trio.
On eight minutes Malta missed a sitter when Luke Monteballo pounced on a defensive blunder but all alone in front of goal shot straight on the onrushing goalkeeper. There was nothing to note with play mainly in midfield with practically no goal mouth actions.
On 36 minutes Malta missed another glorious chance when Paul Mbong was brilliantly put through by Luke Montebello, but the young Malta striker shot incredibly wide with only Michael to beat.
On 40 minutes Henry Bonello saved the locals with a great save off a Soteriou close range deflected shot. From the resulting corner Pittas’ header finished against the upright with the ball coming Soteriou’s way, who fell after a Steve Borg tackle. Referee Maresca showed the second yellow Soteriou for simulation and Cyprus were thus reduced to ten men.
Malta immediately took advantage scoring a breath taking goal. Ryan Camenzuli chased and managed to cross from near the corner flag, Joseph Mbong with a spectacular overhead kick played the ball towards the unmarked Cain Attard who fired in the roof of the net.
Inside the first minute of the second half Malta doubled the score when Teddy Teuma’s cross from the left was beautifully met by Joseph Mbong who headed home. On 54 minutes Malta made it three with another fast flowing move between Teuma and Paul Mbong with the latter crossing low towards Cain Attard who blasted the ball at the back of the net to the delight of the Malta fans who yesterday made a welcome return to Ta’ Qali.
Malta was now in full control and kept long possession of the ball toying with their opponents who could not come to grips with Malta’s superiority.
It was the first win for Malta in this group after the 2-2 draw obtained in Slovakia.
Malta will play Slovenia on Saturday and Russia on Tuesday.