Malta beaten 2-0 by Faroes

The women’s national team were beaten 2-0 by Faroe Islands in the second match from the 2013 European Championship mini-group at the Centenary Stadium, yesterday.

Goals by Faroes captain Malene Josephsen, midway through the first half, and Olga Kristina Hansen, five minutes from time, were enough for the Nordic team to chalk up their first win of the tournament and move level with Malta on three points in joint second place.

At present, the top spot, which means entry to the draw for the group stages of the championship, is occupied by Armenia on four points. Yesterday, the eastern Europeans were held to a scoreless draw by neighbours Georgia.

As things stand, all teams are still in contention, forcing the organisers to re-schedule Tuesday’s matches at the same time.

Malta face Armenia at the Centenary Stadium and Faroe Islands play Georgia at the National Stadium, with both matches kicking off at 2 p.m.

Victory for Malta yesterday would have meant a giant step towards qualification. However, the strong winds hit the locals’ game badly as they were unable to impose their superiority and make the most of the home advantage.

Faroe Islands looked the more settled team, also boosted by Josephsen’s first-half goal which they defended stoutly before Hansen hit the ‘killer’ goal.

Malta’s line-up: S. Costantino, K. Feasey, N. Pace, R. D’Agostino (73 M. Azzopardi), D. Theuma, Y. Carabott, R. Cuschieri, R. Chircop, A. Sammut (81 K. Saliba), C. Vella (70 G. Zahra), C. Zammit.

Standings: Armenia 4; Faroe Islands 3; Malta 3; Georgia 1.

Tuesday’s matches
(Centenary Stadium) 2 p.m. Malta vs Armenia.
(National Stadium) 2 p.m. Georgia vs Faroe Islands.