The first of two international U16 friendlies this week between Malta and Austria was played this morning at the Ta’ Qali Training Grounds. The visitors proved too strong for the locals with a clear 0-4 win, dictating play for most of the 80 minutes. However, there were some positives to be taken out for the Maltese as the young lads showed some neat touches throughout the match against the physically stronger opponents.
The first shot at goal came from Malta midfielder Jordan Kelly, who’s shot from 25 meters sailed inches over the bar in the 4th minute. Austria then had two good opportunities via Benjamin Bockle (8th minute) and cenral defender Marko Dijakovic who missed target from a corner. The lively Manuel Polster put the visitors ahead with a well taken goal on 17th minutes. The same Polster doubled the score on 26 minutes, punishing some hesitating defending by Malta.The last ten minutes of the first half belonged to Malta who reacted well. On 34 minutes some good work by Mattia Veselji on the left flank was not rewarded despite a good attempt by Emerson Camilleri. One minute later it was Jake Bone’s shot from just outside the box who missed target and in the next attack of Malta, Jake Engerer saw his shot blocked by Austria goalkeeper Nikolas Polster. The same Engerer had another chance to reduce the deficit on the stroke of half-time but his shot just missed target.In the second half started again well for Malta with a good opportunity in the 48th minute by Bone who could not finish off some neat work by Engerer on the left flank. There was not much goalmouth action, only a shot by Armand Smrcka just missed target in the 61st minute. Five minutes before the end of the match it was substitute Christian Hauptmann who scored the third goal with a low shot after a cross from the right. Another substitute, Bernard Zimmermann, saw his shot sailing over the bar. On the stroke of time, the same Zimmermann rounded off a good Austria attack with Malta defender Kurt Buhagiar deflecting his shot, leaving goalkeeper Dylan Ciappara helpless.It was a good test for the boys of Noel Turner, who will meet the same Austria team in the UEFA U17 Championships in October this year. The second friendly will be played on Thursday afternoon, 22 March, again at the MFA Training grounds, kick off 14h.Malta U16: Matthias Debono (Dylan Ciappara 53'), Sheldon Mizzi (Kurt Galea 70'), Matthew Ellul, Ismael Borg (Gianluca Borg 70'), Glen Mifsud (Luke Musu 53'), Emerson Camilleri (Gianluca Sciberras 53'), Karl Mohnani, Jake Bone (Kurt Desira 53'), Jordan Kelly (Nikolai Farrugia Cross 61'), Jake Engerer, Mattia Veselji (Kurt Buhagiar 61').Referee: Alex Johnson (Malta)