Malta 0
Slovenia 2
Mihelic 33, 64 pen.
Malta U-21 opened their commitments in the European Championship qualifiers on a negative note yesterday after a 0-2 upset to Slovenia in a Group Eight match in Corradino.
Edwin Camilleri's boys battled bravely despite boasting little experience on the international stage. The hosts made Slovenia work hard for victory and their goals only came from set-piece situations.
Rene Mihelic, perhaps, made all the difference at the Hibs Ground. He scored from a free-kick midway through the first half before converting a dubious penalty after the break.
In the end, the Maltese failed to avoid defeat but, all in all, the early signs look encouraging as Camilleri can now look forward to build on this performance ahead of the team's next matches in the group.
Malta came agonisingly close to forge ahead inside the first minute when a Karl Pulo corner caused mayhem in the Slovenia box but no red-shirted player was at hand to turn the ball into the net.
On 14 minutes, Malta was almost punished for a defensive blip when Etien Velikonja anticipated Joseph Zerafa, burst into the area but his shot was blocked by keeper Henry Bonello.
Slovenia, gradually, started to impose their superiority and on 24 minutes the locals sighed with relief when Gregor Balazic's dipping header finished just wide.
Tyrone Farrugia almost struck on 28 minutes when goalkeeper Jan Koprivec's clearance was intercepted by the Msida midfielder who immediately shot at goal but the ball bounced just over the untenanted Slovenia goal.
The visitors opened the score on 33 minutes. They won a free-kick outside the box and Mihelic's inswinger flew past a helpless Bonello.
In time added on Velikonja almost made it 2-0 but his shot on the turn finished just wide with Bonello beaten.
Camilleri urged his players to venture forward with more impetus after the break and on 62 minutes John Mintoff almost profited from some poor positioning by the Slovenia defenders but his shot was saved in style by the diving Koprivec.
But, a minute later, Slovenia doubled their lead when Zerafa was harshly judged to have handled the ball inside his own box. Mihelic sent Bonello the wrong way.
Despite being two goals down the Maltese never gave up hope and kept pushing forward. In time added on, substitute Julian Galea sped past two defenders but his firm drive was pushed away by Koprivec to deny the locals from a consolation goal.
Malta
H. Bonello, D. Pisani, J. Zerafa, S. Borg, S. Bonnici, T. Farrugia, J. Mintoff, C. Gatt Baldacchino ('81 B. Muscat), W. Chircop ('69 R. Chetcuti), B. Camilleri, K. Pulo ('53 J. Galea).
Slovenia
J. Koprivec, A. Majer, M. Skarabot, A. Bacinovic, G. Balazic, J. Vidovic, N. Tolimir, J. Ilicic ('65 N. Omladic), V. Plut ('72 D. Marceta), R. Mihelic ('85 L. Majcen), E. Velikonja.
Referee: Peter Reineirt (Faroe Islands).
Yellow cards: Mihelic, Gatt Baldacchino.