FT Malta 0-1 Ireland
Quick break by Ireland. Ferguson scuffs his shot inside box. Malta clear.
3 mins additional time.
Change for Malta. Tuema off, on comes Nwoko.
McGrath proving a handful. Malta glad to thump his effort up the field.
Nearly another gift for Ireland. Careless ball from Pisani gives Robinson clear shot at goal. Lucky for Malta he fluffs his shot. Silly mistakes are costly.
More changes for Malta. Montebello and Shaw are on, Apap and Satariano are off.
Ireland make their first two changes.
Hendrick and O’Dowda replace Browne and McClean.
Malta also make a change — Gambin is on for Jones, who had looked like one of their main attacking threats.
Malta not throwing the towel. They keep to their game plan and press when they ge chance. Pisani has half a chance inside box but Kelleher comfortable take. Warning for Ireland not to underestimate Malta.
GOAL: Robinson. Malta 0-1 Ireland.
Dreadful backpass by Guillaumier intercepted by Robinson. No chance for Bonello. Gift for Ireland.
Substitution for Malta. Vella out, in comes Pisani.
Malta fail to clear their lines as Ireland press. Guillaumier fouls just outside box. Ireland free kick. Danger cleared.
Good start by Malta. Jodi Jones brought down just outside Irish penalty box. Chance to get players forward. Chance wasted.
Second half:
HT: Malta 0-0 Republic of Ireland.
Good first half for Malta. They have frustrated Ireland and kept them at arms length. Ireland were expected to be physically challenging, Malta have stood up to them. Coach Gilbert Agius will be the happier at the break.
43 mins: Big chance. Mcgrath in front of goal pulls his effort wide. Might have been offside anyway. Best chance sofar for Ireland.
Apap needs treatment after getting clattered by Bonello defending Ireland free kick. quick check and he is good to carry on.
Better play from Ireland, keeping possession and probing but still no way through for the men in green.
Opening 20 minutes positive for Malta. Ireland restricted to long range and not able to break organised Malta defence.
18 mins: Kristensen goes off injured, early setback for Malta. replaced by Dunstan Vella
Good movement by Malta. Joseph Mbong gets off shot, over the bar.
11 mins: Big chance for Malta. Jodi Jones in front of goal, can only fire straight as Kelleher. what a chance. still 0-0
Ireland get free kick just outside box on left after foul by Apap. Easy take for Bonello
5 mins: First corner of game goes to Ireland. Well cleared by Malta.
Positive start by Malta. Jodi Jones does well to get cross into box, can’t find white shirt.
Malta v Republic of Ireland: Kick-off
