Futsal Planet

Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Malta 8-1

OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT

by Damon Shaw from Tripoli

Despite going a goal behind to a battling Maltese team, Bosnia and Herzegovina ran out comfortable winners by the same scoreline as their Balkan neighbours earlier at the 23rd September Hall in Tripoli, Libya. Malta started well and took a shock lead in the second minute from a well worked set piece, but Vic Herman’s side couldn’t keep out the power of the Bosnians for 40 minutes, despite a valiant effort.

Bosnia & Herzegovina peppered the Matthew Mifsud’s goal after going down and it was the heroics of the goalkeeper that kept Malta’s nose in front, but the Bosnian pressure paid off with two goals before half time, the first from Haris Harba after taking the ball down the right and finishing high from an almost impossible angle. He then turned provider with an immaculate ball through to the far post for Kahvedzic to tap in unopposed.

Malta could be thankful that they were still in it and have Mifsud to thank, but Bosnia & Herzegovina had created the most chances and left Malta relying on their goalkeeper, and not looking that likely to score themselves. It was going to be an uphill struggle in the second half.

Bosnia were a constant threat and with the lead they could control the match. They scored a couple in quick succession to all but kill the game off and now being able to pick off Malta on the break. At 4-1 Bosnia were comfortable and the fifth came via the first real error for Mifsud; a low shot that he should have saved deflected up and in off his left foot. The goals were coming in twos and a powerful 10 metre strike by Dusko Becarovic killed the game off. Malta weren’t able to push forward and it was all Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The Balkans rubbed salt into the wounds of the Maltese with another quick fire double from the captain Alen Lalic and Enez Crnalic and Bosnia & Herzegovina saw out the game with little to worry about for a comfortable win and a great start to their Mediterranean Futsal Cup campaign.

Haris Harba of Bosnia & Herzegovina claimed the coveted Futsal Planet MVP for his performance. He orchestrated his team well and was their creative spark, scoring one and setting up a few. He also had several chances denied by the outstanding Matthew Mifsud.

Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com