by Faroe Islands beat Malta by 4-2 in a game that was fraught with drama and plenty of goals. Malta played most of the second half with a player short after Sarah Vella Barberi received a second yellow. Despite this, the Maltese nationals were edging towards victory, until a late brace by Lisa Haraldsen and a goal by Anna Braendstrup tilted the scoreline. The win catapults Faroe Islands to the top of the group on goal difference.
Opening Minutes & Breakthrough
Malta’s Frank Schembri fielded the same first eleven that triumphed against Armenia. However, captain Alexandra Gatt was taken off after just nine minutes on the pitch and replaced by Izabella Camilleri. Meanwhile, Faroe Islands’ Coach Paetur Clementsen opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with a mixture of fresh faces and some more experienced ones in the likes of Lisa Haraldsen and Rakul Sorensen.
The two sides exchanged attempts and drew plenty of fouls in the early stages of the match. However, neither could break through until Malena Olsen slotted the ball into the net in the 39th minute, handing the Faroe Islands a narrow lead before the break.
Sending Off & Lead Exchange
Coach Paetur Clementsen made two changes at halftime bringing on Teresa Jacobsen and Solja Ernstsdottir, who replaced Kristina Gasdal and Ester Ellingsgaard, respectively. The team started the second half on the front foot and Malena Olsen almost extended the lead but was denied by the woodwork.
Things took a turn for the worse for the Maltese as Sarah Vella Barberi fouled Lisa Haraldsen, prompting referee Karoline Wacker to reach for a second yellow reducing the team to ten.
Despite this, Malta got themselves back on level terms just a few moments later through Michela Ionadi who converted from Yulya Carella’s free-kick delivery. The free-kick was won by Sara Saliba who drew a foul from Rakul Sorensen.
Petersen made a double substitution in the 73rd minute bringing on Natalia Dansdottir Olsen and Jorun Najma Patawary in replacement of Jancy Mohr and Loa Samuelsen. Malta’s front line took the opportunity to capitalise on the disruption within the team as Yulya Carella combined with Sara Saliba, enabling Birkirkara’s forward to nudge Malta into the lead in the 76th minute.
Response from the Faroe Islands
The lead was short-lived as Lisa Haraldsen wreaked havoc in the Maltese defence for the last ten minutes of the match. Haraldsen drew in the 81st minute with Rakul Sorensen grabbing the assist and the same scorer was then teed up for her second goal by half-time substitute Solja Ernsdottir just three minutes later, handing the lead back to the Faroe Islands. The victory was sealed by Anna Braendstrup who was assisted by the same Lisa Haraldsen.
Malta’s coach Frank Schembri brought on Kaysia Micallef, Sabrina Bilhi and Ylenia Grech late in the match, whilst his counterpart Petersen brought on Bara Jansdottir but none had enough time to truly affect the match.
The final group game will be played between Faroe Islands and Armenia on Monday 10th April at noon at the City Stadium in Abovyan.
Photo: UEFA
