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Perfect send-off for Mifsud as Malta prevail 3-0

Published: 11-11-2020 18:55
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11 November, 2020International Friendly _ National Stadium, Ta’ QaliMALTA                    3LIECHTENSTEIN   0(HT 2-0)Mifsud 5, S.Borg 20, Farrugia 83 (pen)Long-serving Malta captain Michael Mifsud closed his record international career on a high as Malta beat Liechtenstein 3-0 in a friendly match at the National Stadium to extend their unbeaten run to five consecutive matches. The veteran striker, now playing for Sirens FC, capped his final appearance by scoring the opening goal to finish off his career on 42 official international goals in 143 appearances for Malta, two national records that will definitely be hard to beat. Malta coach Devis Mangia maintained his policy of introducing more youngsters in this ongoing rejuvenation process and the all the players responded with a composed performance that steered the team to another positive result. Żejtun Corinthians defender Neil Tabone enjoyed a positive debut for the national team. Jean Borg (Valletta) and Juan Corbalan (Hamrun Spartans) made their first appearance this season for Malta after coming back from injuries. Unfortunately, the former had to leave the pitch injured close to the half-hour mark and was replaced by Corbalan’s team-mate Karl Micallef, who also made his first appearance in the Mangia era. Malta began on th front foot, going 2-0 up in the opening 20 minutes. Mifsud opened the scoring after five minutes with a low drive which left Liechtenstein goalkeeper Thomas Hobi helpless after excellent work by Jake Grech. On twenty minutes, Steve Borg doubled Malta's lead with a header from a Steve Pisani free-kick. On 25 minutes, Liechtenstein was dangerous for the first time after Ridvan Kardesoglu was sent through but his effort just missed the target.  Malta were dominant for most of the first half, controlling possession and keeping Liechtenstein far away from Jake Galea's goal. On the hour, the moment arrived when Michael Mifsud left the pitch in the colours of the national team for one last time, after a fantastic career spanning two decades. He was replaced by Alex Satariano, who was making his Malta debut. On 77 minutes there was another debutant for Malta as Jan Busuttil came on for Jake Grech. Two minutes later, a Max Goppel's lob from long distance nearly had the better of Jake Galea, but the attempt ended up on the roof of the net In the 83rd minute, Malta were awarded a penalty after a handball incident in the Liechtenstein box. Substitute Jean-Paul Farrugia made no mistake from the spot to give Malta a 3-0 win in a useful friendly. Next opponents are Andorra on Saturday in a match from the UEFA Nations League. MALTAJake Galea, Neil Tabone, Jean Borg (Karl Micallef 28), Triston Caruana, Steve Borg (Kurt Shaw 77), Steve Pisani (Rowen Muscat 60), Bjorn Kristensen, Juan Corbalan, Shaun Dimech (Jean-Paul Farrugia 77), Jake Grech (Jan Busuttil 77), Michael Mifsud (Alex Satariano 60). LIECHTENSTEINThomas Hobi, Daniel Brandle, Max Goppel, Andreas Malin, Seyhan Yildiz, Aron Sele (Philipp Ospelt 70), Martin Buchel (Alex Marxer 86), Fabio Wolfinger (Noah Graber 70), Sandro Wolfinger (Andrin Netzer 77), Nicolas Hasler, Ridvan Kardesoglu.YELLOW CARDSCaruana, Corbalan (M); Kardesoglu, Sele, Goppel (L)  Referee: Manfredas Lucjancukas (Lithuania).