Malta U-17’s fall down to superior Spain in Euro qualifiers opener

Spaniards net seven goals as they vie for finals qualification

MALTA 0-7 SPAIN
Toni Fernandez 13; Adrian Arnun 21, 28, 63; Jose Reyes Lopez 29; Jose Fernandez 51; Guillermo Fernandez 69.

Malta suffered a heavy defeat in its opening U-17’s Euro qualifier against Spain on Tuesday morning.

As expected, the Spanish selection dominated proceedings and launched their qualifying campaign with a victory as they look to qualify for Cyprus 2024.

Spain’s starting formation consisted of nine players featuring at either Real Madrid or Barcelona with the other two members being on the books of prestigious clubs in Valencia and Real Valladolid.

This Saturday, Malta host Slovakia before wrapping up their commitments against North Macedonia.

Other scores: North Macedonia 0-4 Slovakia.

MALTA
James Sissons, Adam Vella (Jayden Vella 60), Lydon Seychell, Sheldon Borg, Shelom Magri, Jake Attard, Jerome Baldacchino (Dejan Farrugia 83), Luke Bugeja (Nathan Joyce 60), Thomas Melillo, Denzil Muscat, Emerson Piscopo (Nathan Zerafa 60).
Coach: Francesco Macri.

SPAIN
Alvaro Gonzalez, Jesus Fortea, Joan Martinez, Landry Farre, Albert Navarro (Jorge Salamo 68), Xavi Espart, Pol Duran (Guillermo Fernandez 46), Toni Fernandez (Victor Fernandez 60), David Otorbi (Jose Fernandez 46), Jose Reyes Lopez (Oscar Bazaga 46), Adrian Arnun
Coach: Hernan Perez.

Referee Antoni Bandic (Bosnia-Herzegovina FA).

Photo: Stephen Gatt.