Malta fell to a 4-0 defeat to Holland in their UEFA World Cup Group G qualifier.
It was always going to be a mammoth task for Malta against the number seven FIFA ranked team in the world.
Two penalties really hurt Malta who had been holding their more fancied opponents, especially in the first half when Malta limited Holland to a single goal lead.
How the game might have unfolded if Joseph Mbong had been able to convert a golden opportunity in the opening minutes when captain Van Dijk’s careless back pass let the Maltese winger in on goal but his curling shot drifted just wide of the post.
A defeat is a defeat but Malta showed that they are an improving team. The test now will be how they fare against lower ranked teams.
Photos: Malta FA
