MALTA 0-5 GREECE
Pnevmonidis 15, 63; Koutsias 45, 54; Rallis 90
MALTA
L. Camilleri; S. Xerri, B. Hili, A. Borg, J. Vassallo, J. Micallef (46 S. Gatt), N. Cross (67 N. Agius), J. Azzopardi, K. Ewurum (46 J. Grech), L. Scicluna (67 L. Caruana), J. Pitts (67 F. Ging).
GREECE
N. Botis; A. Koutsogoulas, N. Alen, A. Kalogeropoulos, C. Alexiou, T. Bakoulas (29 E. Nikolaou), S. Pnevmonidis (81 I. Bokos), K. Gkoumas (81 I. Apostolakis), G. Koutsias (58 D. Rallis), A. Papakanellos (58 I. Theodosoulakis), A. Bregou.
Referee: M. Savocic (Montenegro FA).
Yellow cards: Vassallo.
Malta’s U21 side endured a difficult start to their European Championship qualifying campaign as they fell to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Greece at the Centenary Stadium.
From the outset, the Greeks showcased their physical strength, relentless intensity, and technical superiority, setting the tone for what became a challenging evening for Davide Mazzotta’s team.
This was the Italian coach’s first competitive fixture in charge of the Maltese selection, but his side struggled to match the visitors’ quality.
Mazzotta entrusted the captain’s armband to Żabbar St. Patrick midfielder Jake Micallef, who led a starting formation featuring Valletta duo Jake Azzopardi and Keyon Ewurum. Both players had recently spent time with the senior national team during the international window, with Azzopardi even making a late appearance against Lithuania in Malta’s World Cup qualifier before being sent off.
Elsewhere, Mazzotta handed starting roles to Lucas Scicluna, who plies his trade with Australian club Newcastle Jets, and Joshua Pitts, part of Ipswich Town’s youth system. Between the posts, Luca Camilleri was preferred, tasked with keeping out a lively Greek attack.
The visitors fielded Noah Allen of Inter Miami from the outset.
Their attacking intent was clear, with Georgios Koutsias of Swiss side Lugano threatening on multiple occasions in the early stages.
Although his efforts initially went wide, Greece’s constant pressure suggested an opening goal was only a matter of time.
That breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute. Stavros Pnevmonidis, on the books of Olympiakos, unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that left Camilleri with no chance, giving Greece a deserved lead.
Moments later, Adriano Bregou came close to doubling the advantage, his curling effort flashing just wide of goal.
Koutsias continued to cause problems for the Maltese defence with his explosive pace and clever footwork. Despite his wastefulness in front of goal early on, the Lugano forward eventually capitalised on a defensive lapse. On the stroke of half-time, a misplaced pass by goalkeeper Camilleri gifted him possession, and Koutsias calmly slotted home to make it 2-0.
At the interval, Mazzotta opted for changes, introducing Sean Gatt and Jake Grech in place of captain Micallef and Ewurum. However, Greece remained in control after the restart. Koutsias struck again midway through the second half, finishing confidently when played through on goal. The forward picked up a knock during the goal but had already done the damage with his clinical brace.
The fourth arrived shortly afterwards. Pnevmonidis combined neatly with substitute Ioannis Theodosoulakis, who squared the ball back for the Olympiakos player to slot home from close range, sealing a commanding 4-0 victory for the visitors.
Despite flashes of determination, Malta were unable to mount any serious response.
In stoppage time, Greece made it 5-0 through Dimitris Rallis.
Malta will now regroup as attention turns to the next set of fixtures. They will face Northern Ireland and Georgia in October’s international window, aiming to bounce back.
