Futsal
Watch: Malta Futsal hit Scotland for four to start qualifying campaign in style
The Malta Futsal national team opened their commitments in the UEFA Euro qualifying preliminary round tournament in some style when they beat Scotland 4-1 at the Mobiliar Arena, in Bern, Switzerland, on Wednesday.
It was an impressive performance from Gabriel Dobre’s side who outplayed their Scottish opponents for much of the match to secure a much-needed victory that keeps them on course to reach the Main Round of the competition.
In fact, the top two teams from each group will go through to the Main Round which will be played as home-and-away fixtures as of December.
The Maltese started strongly and took the lead after two minutes and 28 seconds of play.
Marrwan Telisi hit a scorching drive that hit the bar. The ball fell to Celino Alves and the Brazilian-born player set up Telisi who stroked the ball into the net.
Malta kept up their tempo and managed to double their lead in spectacular fashion after five minutes and 32 minutes of play when Michael Borg chipped the ball into the path of Giancarlo Sammut who adjusted his body and hit a stunning overhead kick that gave no chance to the Scottish goalkeeper.
After the break, the Maltese remained firmly in control and after 25 minutes and 16 seconds they added a third goal as some good pressing from the team saw them win possession and Celino Alves hammered the ball into the net.
Malta sealed the points when they were awarded a penalty kick and Michael Borg blasted the ball into the net.
Scotland managed to pull a goal back just before the final whistle through Kai Lawless, but it was too little too late.
Malta will now be again in action on Thursday when they face Gibraltar.