Courtesy: Times Of Malta

Futsal - UEFA Championship Mini Tournament (Group C)

Tough debut for Malta as Cyprus win 7-1

Playing their first ever full international Futsal encounter, Malta lost to a superior Cyprus side by seven goals to one in a match from the European Championship mini-tournament currently being played at the Hibernians Sports Pavilion at Corradino.

Cyprus took a second minute lead through Dasaev and soon asserted their authority with slick passing and interchanging play.

Michael Striz's young side played with enthusiasm but found it hard to contain the constant pressure by the Cypriots who added two further goals through Polyviou (9) and Manoli (13).

After the break, Cyprus, led by Petros Konstantinou, displayed good individual skills to stretch their lead even further with second half goals through Manoli (23), Poliviou (23), Christodolou (24, 25).

The gallant Maltese, urged on by skipper Nikky Bilocca, secured a well-deserved consolation goal late in the game through John Cutajar (35).

Malta's starting formation: Bjorn Vassallo, Nicholas Bilocca, Tyron Borg, Robert Magro, John Cutajar. Substitutes: Mark Ellul Sullivan, Noel Bray, Paul Bugeja, Roderick Caruana, Jeanbert Gatt, Benny Gianlaze, Michael Portelli.

In the opening game, Kazakhstan beat Georgia 4-1. The Georgians took the lead after five minutes through Dzabiradze but Shpichka equalised in the 17th minute.

Kazakhstan took the upperhand after the break and added three more goals through Kozin (27, 37) and Butrin (29) to secure their first victory of the tournament.

Playing today: 4.30 p.m. Cyprus vs Georgia; 6.30 p.m. Malta vs Kazakhstan.



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