Malta no match for casual Germany

Malta 6
Germany 15
(1-4, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4)

When Malta faced Germany in the second leg of the European Championship preliminary round yesterday, the gap in class was again evident as the visitors, in apparently casual mode, were again far superior to the Malta side, this time with coach Sergio Afric back on the bench after serving suspension.

The Maltese players’ aim must have been to at least perform better than when they were routed 21-5 in the first leg.

John Soler was back in the side for Malta after missing the trip to Germany due to unavailability alongside Paul Privitera and Karl Galea, who were again absent yesterday.

There was no semblance of competition as Germany were already 8-2 ahead by the half-way mark.

Malta could only offer token opposition as Steve Camilleri and Niki Lanzon each netted a brace with the former adding another goal in the fourth quarter and Michele Stellini closing Malta’s account.

In retrospect it was an easy stroll for the Germans who now proceed to the next stage of the Euro competition on a 36-11 aggregate.

ASA press relations

Unfortunately, this newspaper did not receive any prior reminders of yesterday’s Euro qualifier against Germany, at least through the ASA’s website.

It is to be noted that in the first leg, played on October 1, poor press relations had also prevented The Times from publishing the result in good time.

Summary

Malta: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 2, T. Sullivan, M. Stellini 1, M. Meli, J. Soler, S. Camilleri 3, J. Camilleri, C. Debono, A. Bianchi, D. Paolella, D. Camilleri.

Germany: A. Tchigir, C. Theis, F. Schroedter 1, J. Real, H. Schulz 3, M. Politz 2, E. Bukowski 4, I. Tickert 1, T. Rohe, M. Oeler 3, A. Schlotterbeck 1, D. Eidner, T. Fischer.

Referees: B. Radonjic (Slovenia), D. Alban (France).

Man-up statistics: Malta 0-8; Germany 3-4.