Israel too good for Malta

Malta finished at the bottom of the group with just one point.

Michael Mifsud missed a great opportunity to score in the opening minutes of the match after he dribbled past a defender and shot just wide.

Israel managed to take the lead on the 11^th minute when Taleb Tawatha served Lior Rafleov who beat goalkeeper Andrew Hogg with his shot.

On the 51^st minute, Israel missed a great opportunity to double the score when Ben Sahar had two attempts on goal. His first attempt was blocked by Hogg and off the rebound Sahar hit the crossbar with his header.

Malta missed a great opportunity to equalise on the 72^nd minute. Carlo Mamo’s cross found Gareth Sciberras who’s header hit the crossbar to bounce on the goal line before being cleared away.

In stoppage time, Israel scored their second goal of the match when off a freekick by Bebras Natcho, Rai, Gerson headed the ball past goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

This was Malta’s ninth defeat in their last ten matches.

Malta: Andrew Hogg, Jonathan Caruana (82’ Steve Borg), Carlo Mamo, Gareth Sciberras, Andrei Agius, Ryan Fenech, Roderick Briffa, Michael Mifsud, Paul Fenech (64’ Edward Herrera), John Hutchinson, Ivan Woods (81’ Christian Caruana)

Coach: John Buttigieg

Israel: Dudu Aouate, Dani Bondarv (57’ Gil Vermouth), Taleb Tawatha, Rami Gershon, Nir Biton, Maor Buzaglo, Bebras Natcho, Eyal Golasa, Lior Rafaleov (49’ Almog Cohen), Ben Sahar (78’ Tal Ben Haim), Tomer Hemed.

Coach: Luis Fernandez

Referee: Bruno Miguel Duarte Paixo

Assitant referees: Jose Manual Silva Cardinal, Venancio Manuel Raposo Batista Tome

Fourth official: Joao Francisco Lopes Ferreira

Yellow Cards: Woods, Agius

Scorers: 11’ Lior Rafaelov, 93’ Rami Gershon