MALTA-1, SWEDEN-2
Malta U-21 produced a bold performance but that was not enough as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Sweden in a UEFA U-21 qualifier this afternoon.
With a little bit of luck, Malta would have gained a point as they had three clear scoring chances, also hitting the post, as their late rally rattled Sweden.
The Maltese players were visibly disappointed at the final whistle after failing to break their duck in this UEFA U-21 qualifying campaign, but they left the pitch with their heads held high.
Malta were off to a flying start. They took the lead after 10 minutes, Ryan Scicluna profiting from a mistake by Filip Helander before hitting past August Stomberg, the Sweden goalkeeper.
Helander threatened to atone for his error as he was first to Ludwig Augustinsson's corner but his drive was repelled by the Malta defenders.
Sweden were dangerous again as John Guidetti's cross from the left sailed towards the unmarked Mikael Ishak whose header sailed over the bar.
Malta were holding their own but their optimism suffered a setback on 29 minutes. It was a poor goal as Augustinsson's corner from the right was met by AIK defender Alexander Milosevic whose header was deflected goalwards with the ball marginally crossing the line.
A low drive by Ishak ended inches wide as Sweden increased their pressure.
On 34 minutes, Ishak raced past Christian Grech but rifled against the side-netting. Borg then produced a fine save as he tipped away Guidetti's volley after the Malta defence had failed to clear a long ball.
On the stroke of half-time, another appalling mistake by Sweden gifted Malta an inviting opening. Stomberg's mishit clearance fell to Jean Paul Farrugia who advanced but his flicked effort was pawed away by the Swedish goalkeeper who thus atoned for his error.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Borg blocked Helander's header from another inviting corner by Augustinsson.
Ishak rifled over from outside the box after the Maltese defenders had partially cleared Augustinsson's free-kick.
Sweden remained in control. They forged ahead with 21 minutes remaining, Guidetti swerving his free-kick beyond the wall and into the top corner after Lydon Micallef, who had just entered the fray, had committed a foul just outside the box.
Malta were unlucky not to level matters 15 minutes from the end. Milosevic tripped Farrugia and, from the ensuing free-kick, the Hibs forward's drive rattled the upright.
Malta continued to push. They created another chance as Scicluna drove an intelligent pass to Farrugia who sped into the box before chipping the ball over the on-rushing Stromberg but Milosevic headed the ball off the line.
Five minutes from time, Malta were again unfortunate as Farrugia's crisp drive grazed the base of the far post after being deflected by Stromberg, the Sweden goalkeeper.