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Spirited Malta U16 lose second friendly against Austrians

Published: 22-03-2018 15:35
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INTERNATIONAL U/16 FRIENDLY22.03.18Ta’ Qali Training Grounds, MaltaMALTA…0AUSTRIA…3(HT 0-2)After going down 0-4 in the first friendly on Monday, Austria also proved to be too strong for the Maltese boys in the second friendly. The visitors did not give away an inch and showed their talent throughout the match, scoring two in the first half and adding another in the second. It was however positive to note that the hard-working Malta side seemed more prepared today against the physical strong Austrians, stepping on the pitch with a positive attitude.  During the first twenty minutes the Maltese kept Austria at bay. The visitors had obviously more ball possession but without creating any real chances. But their first goal scoring opportunity on 20 minutes meant also the opening goal. Denizcan Ogun rounded off a fast attack in the centre of the pitch with a low shot which had the better of goalkeeper Dylan Ciappara.In the 27th minute Austria doubled the score via Benjamin Bockle with a low shot from just outside the box. Ogun had another great opportunity on 36 minutes but just missed target while one minute before the break Simon Nelson’s header sailed inches over the bar. In the resulting attack for Malta, right flank defender Sheldon Mizzi could have scored but his shot from close in sailed incredibly high. Striker Mattia Veselji worked hard up front but could not penetrate the strong Austrian attack. Midfielders Kurt Desira and Jordan Kelly were two other hard-working Maltese.Five minutes into the second half, with the hosts playing against the strong wind, Bernard Zimmermann missed a good opportunity with his shot who was deflected into a corner. One minute after, Pierre Nagler’s attempt sailed over the crossbar. On 50 minutes, captain Kevin Sostaric got booked by the referee, the only caution of the match.In the 62-minute substitute Deniz Pehlivan’s shot just missed target but seven minutes later Zimmermann scored goal number three for the visitors after a wonderful through-pass from midfield. In the last part of the match, Malta had two good opportunities. Substitute Leo Agius’ shot sailed over the bar while a free-kick by Jake Engerer on the stroke of full-time was saved in style by Austrian goalkeeper Paul Tschernuth.Malta: Dylan Ciappara (Reeves Cini 57’), Sheldon Mizzi, Matthew Ellul, (Sean Schembri 70’), Ismael Borg (Glen Mifsud 66’), Luke Musu, (Isaac Galea 41’), Emerson Camilleri, (Gianluca Sciberras 57’), Karl Mohnani (Leo Agius 70’), Jordan Kelly (Liam Scicluna 66’), Kurt Desira (Jake Bone 41’), Jake Engerer, Mattia Veselji (Kurt Buhagiar 57’).Referee: Daniel Portelli (Malta)