The Malta women’s national team could not have asked for a better start to their 2022 VisitMalta Women’s Trophy commitments after outclassing Moldova 3-1.
Coached by Mark Gatt, the Maltese side were clearly the dominant side in this game and the result does not do justice to Malta’s numerous chances they created throughout the 90 minutes.
Just five ranking places separate Malta (95th) and Moldova (100th), but with the game being a one-sided affair, it highlighted Malta’s superiority and ability to dispatch of teams who are in their region in the FIFA rankings.
One of the key performers that helped Malta clinch the win was highly-experienced Rachel Cuschieri, who was collecting her 81st cap at international level. The Lazio player assisted Jade Flask in the second goal and contributed to the first and third goal to cap a stellar display.
“On a personal level, I am very pleased with my performance,” Cuschieri told the Times of Malta.
“It’s always nice to contribute to my team’s goals because that is my duty and I am delighted to have managed to record an assist as well.”
The former PSV and Anderlecht player also heaped praise on the collective effort shown by her team mates which played a crucial role in managing to dominate Moldova.
Despite dominating proceedings in the opening half, Malta could only enter the dressing rooms at 1-1. However, Gatt’s side stepped up their display in the second half, even though they might rue their chances as they could have secured a bigger lead at the end.
“All in all, the performance was very good as the team responded in a very positive manner,” Cuschieri explained.
“I think in the second half, we put up a much better display as I feel that our confidence grew and that is what helped us to collect this victory.”
Meanwhile, Malta will host 78th-ranked nation Morocco in Saturday’s second and final game from this tournament.
Morocco are aspiring to qualify for their first ever Women’s World Cup next year, while next summer they will be hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Their journey towards a potential qualification to Australia and New Zealand will go through a matchup with a Malta side that is brimming in confidence game after game.
“The game against Morocco will be like a final for us and it can go either way,” Cuschieri explained.
“Beating Moldova will help us grow heading into the next fixture and although on paper Morocco looks like a harder team to face, I am confident that we can produce the same performance once again.”
Photo c/o Domenic Aquilina/MFA Sports Plus
