A battling Malta came away empty handed from their Group C Euro 24 qualifier against Ukraine thanks to what many saw as a dubious penalty decision.
Following a heavy 4-0 loss to England last weekend, coach Michele Marcolini had the task of lifting his players for a second game in the space of three days. That he managed to do so, with bells attached, was very evident from the first whistle.
Malta shrugged off that England defeat as they took the game to Ukraine. There was belief in the way they moved the ball around. Confidence flowed, they passed out from the back with a conviction that had been missing last week.
Up front, Malta was finding gaps in the Ukranian defence. Jodi Jones fired just wide, Teddy Teuma saw his close range effort sail inches past the post.
It was not all one way traffic. Ukraine showed why they are ranked number 30 in the world with surging attacks down the left. One such move ended with keeper Henry Bonello having to be replaced by Matthew Grech after Vanak clattered into him.
Coming just before the break that was a blow for Malta, who then found themselves under seige as the second 45 minutes got underway.
A harsh handball against Jean Borg gave Ukraine the chance to take the lead but Yarmolenko hit the crossbar. Poetic justice some might say.
Malta regrouped and again began probing, looking for a gap in the Ukranian defence. Joseph Mbong was putting in his usual stint, running non-stop and he found Zach Muscat who tee’d up a pass to Yanick Yankham, only to see his close range shot blocked by the Ukranian keeper.
The match turned on 70 minutes with another dubious penalty decision. Jean Borg again the unlucky player judged to have fouled Yarmolenko in the box. But did Borg even touch the Ukranian. That will be watched again and again but, the decision stood. Viktor Tsygankov sent Grech the wrong way to put Ukraine in front. A lead they held to the final whistle.
Still no win for Malta in these European qualifiers but on this performance, Malta can hold their head up. They showed they can compete at international level. Now they have a break until their next Euro 24 qualifier in September.
