12th Malta International Tournament
Belarus 1Estonia 2\nThe opening match of the 12th Malta International Tournament saw Estonia beating Belarus by the odd goal in three at the National Stadium. Two first-half goals set Estonia on their way to victory as Belarus' last-minute goal only...
Belarus 1
Estonia 2
\nThe opening match of the 12th Malta International Tournament saw Estonia beating Belarus by the odd goal in three at the National Stadium. Two first-half goals set Estonia on their way to victory as Belarus' last-minute goal only had academic significance.
A swift counter-break procured an opening goal for Estonia after 13 minutes. Maksim Smirnov made headway down the left flank and passed to the middle where the steaming Meelis Rooba's first time-flick rolled past Yury Zhaunou who was caught out of position.
Belarus are competing here with a team made up predominantly of U-21 players who are gearing up for the UEFA U-21 Championship finals.
Having weathered Belarus' feeble reaction, Estonia moved closer to victory when they hit a second goal on the stroke of half-time courtesy of defender Marek Lemsalu.
Belarus tried to up the tempo but seldom did they threaten to narrow the gap. Rooba continued to unnerve the Belarus defenders with his probing for open spaces and he was almost rewarded with another goal had his header not been charged down by Zhanou.
Belarus had to wait till the 90th minute to score a goal, defender Valery Tarasenka driving the ball home from a goalmouth melee.
Belarus: Y. Zhaunou, V. Tarasenka, D. Molash, O. Popel (V. Sokal 45), A. Baha, P. Shihera (O. Shkabara 45), M. Ryndziuk, A. Strahanovich, P. Biahanski (M. Tsyhalka 57), A. Kontsevoy, Y. Lashankou.
Estonia: M. Kaalma, T. Allas, M. Lemsalu, R. Piroja, R. Klavan, M. Reim, M. Smirnov (K. Haavistu 78), M. Kristal (O. Reinumae 87), V. Zahovaiko (K. Viikmae 57), M. Rooba, J. Lindpere.
Referee: Adrian Casha (Malta).
Scorers: Rooba 13; Lemsalu 45; Tarasenka 90.