Malta pick up first point in World Cup qualifiers after drab Lithuania stalemate

MALTA           0

LITHUANIA   0

MALTA

H. Bonello, R. Camenzuli, M. Guillaumier, J. Mbong (81 K. Ewurum), T. Teuma, J. Jones (81 K. Nwoko), E. Pepe, P. Mbong (73 B. Tuma), Z. Muscat (84 J. Corbalan), A. Satariano.

LITHUANIA

E. Gertmonas, A. Tutyskinas, E. Utkus, K. Kazukolovas, M. Vorobjovas (70 G. Sirgedas), A. Dolnikov (70 F. Cernych), G. Paulauskas, J. Lasickas, V. Slivka, G. Gineitis, K. Upstas (46 P. Goubickas) (73 D. Sesplaukis).

Referee Marian Barbu (Romania).

Yellow cards P. Mbong, Vorobjovas, Camenzuli, Tutyskinas, Corbalan.

Malta picked up their first point in the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they held Lithuania to a goalless draw at the National Stadium.

It was far from a vintage performance for Malta, who struggled to impose their game for much of the opening 45 minutes as the visitors held complete control of the ball with the home side rarely venturing forward.

However, after the break, De Leo’s team talk seemed to improve matters for Malta as the team started to find more space in the Lithuanian defence and created a few scoring opportunities, albeit they rarely forced any saves from Lithuanian goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas.

In the end, the stalemate prevailed, and although the performance left much to be desired, the Malta coach will be relieved to have picked up his first point of the campaign, which will hopefully inject some much-needed confidence ahead of Tuesday’s tough trip to Groningen to face Euro 2024 semi-finalist the Netherlands.

Malta coach Emilio De Leo made one change to the team that lost to Poland 2-0 as Jodi Jones was back in the starting line-up after an absence of a few months to fill the void of Ilyas Chouaref.

On their part, Lithuania were also forced into a last-minute change as right back Pijas Sirvis was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a family bereavement and was replaced by Kaludijus Upstas.

The match was devoid of scoring chances for much of the first 25 minutes, with scoring chances at a premium.

The only shot towards goal came on 11 minutes when Gvidas Gineitis shot from outside the area, but the ball drifted wide.

Malta finally threatened on 23 minutes when Joseph Mbong’s clever backheel released Satariano who sped through but lost his balance, and in came Paul Mbong who was blocked by a Lithuanian defender.

On the half hour, Satariano came to Malta’s rescue as the Birkirkara midfielder effected a providential block on Gytis Paulauskas, who looked odds on to score.

Lithuania were growing in stature and six minutes from the break, Gineitis teed up Paulauskas, who fired just wide with Bonello beaten.

At the interval, Lithuania’s coach Edgaras Jankauskas withdrew Upstas and roped in Paulius Golubickas.

On 52 minutes, the woodwork denied Lithuania an opener as Artur Dolznikov curled in a fine drive towards the far post, with the ball coming off the bar with Bonello beaten.

Malta’s first shot on target came on the hour mark when Joseph Mbong, fed his brother Paul, but his low drive was deflected to a corner by Gertmonas.

From the ensuing corner, which was taken short, Joseph Mbong’s low cross surprised the Lithuanian defence, but Zach Muscat could not connect from close in.

Malta were suddenly venturing more forward after the break, and on 65 minutes, Camenzuli’s firm drive flashed just wide.

Lithuania finally threatened eight minutes from time, Romualdas Jansonas’ effort was pushed away by Bonello.

Seven minutes from time, Keyon Ewurum, who had just replaced Joseph Mbong, picked Satariano on the edge of the area but his shot just skimmed the upright.

In stoppage time, Malta protested for a penalty when Pepe’s header hit a Lithuanian defender but the referee waved play on as the stalemate prevailed.