Minnows Malta may have lost 3-1 to powerful Russia in their opening European qualifier Group H match but their performance showed how they have improved under coach Mangia.
Malta held their own in the opening period of the game, Mbong testing the Russian keeper with a shot from the edge of the box.
Camenzuli and Degabriele were finding gaps on the left side but Malta did not have enough players in the box to worry the Russian defence.
The opening goal came mid-way through the first half when captain Artem Dzyuba slotted the ball underneath goalkeeper Bonello.
Dzyuba, always a danger, made it 2-0 to Russia ten minutes before the break.
Half time saw coach Devis Mangia bring on Alex Satariano and Paul Mbong for Montebello and Degabriele.
Joseph Mbong’s goal ten minutes into the second half set Russia back on their heels and Teddy Tuema was unlucky when his powerful strike was just blocked by a defender.
At 2-1 Malta were still in with a chance of pulling off a surprise but a poor clearance in the last minute allowed Russia to grab their third of the night and seal the win.
Photos: Domenic Aquilina.
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