Maltese girls no match for superior Finland

The Malta U-17 women’s team suffered a heavy defeat in their second European Women’s Under-17 qualifier, losing 8-1 to Finland in Slovenia. The Nordic side secured their win in the first half with goals from Annika Huhta, Katariina Kosola and Aino Vuorinen as they went in for the half-time break 3-0 ahead. In the second half, Finland remained dominant to score five more goals through a Nicole Sciberras own goal, Vuorinen’s second goal of the game, Marie Makinen, Dana Leskinen and Kaisa Juvonen. Gozo player Maria Farrugia scored a late consolation goal for the Maltese team who went down 2-1 to Italy in their opening match. Frank Schembri’s side meet hosts Slovenia in their final group on Sunday at 3pm. Finland, who drew 0-0 with Slovenia in their first match, face Italy in their final group qualifier. FINLANDAnna Koivunen, Jenna Topra (Dana Leskinen 52), Kaisa Juvonen, Julia Rytkonen, Oona Siren (Vilma Koivisto 59), Tuuli Enkkila, Aino Vuorinen, Annika Huhta, Katariina Kosola (Marie Mäkinen 71), Alisa Hokkanen, Eerika Appelqvist. MALTASarah Zarb, Chloe Ann Ellul (Nicole Zammit 59), Valentina Rapa, Nicole Sciberras, Celeste Grech, Maria Farrugia, Maia Melaine Debono, Amy Busuttil (Angelique Schembri 41), Samantha Zarb, Jessica Lee DImech, Demi Magrin (Michaela Bonello Ghio 64). Referee: Kristina Kozoroh (Ukraine).