Match report
Malta Stuns Finland 1-0 in World Cup Qualification Europe
Finland
0–1
FT
Malta
Nov 14, 2025
Malta stunned Finland, securing a 1-0 victory in their World Cup Qualification Europe match. Despite Finland's strong possession, Malta's defensive strategy and a single goal from J. Grech in the 81st minute was enough to seal the win. Finland's numerous substitutions, including R. Lod and N. Skytta, could not alter the course of the match.
Key Facts
- • Final Score: Finland 0–1 Malta
- • Goal: J. Grech (Malta) 81st minute
- • Notable Substitutions: R. Lod and N. Skytta (Finland)
- • Competition: World Cup Qualification Europe
Lineups
Finland
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Starting XI
- 12 V. Sinisalo (G)
- 15 R. Mahuta (D)
- 21 V. Koski (D)
- 5 M. Tenho (D)
- 2 J. Lahteenmaki (D)
- 14 K. Kairinen (M)
- 19 B. Kallman (M)
- 11 A. Markhiev (M)
- 6 L. Walta (M)
- 7 O. Antman (M)
- 20 J. Pohjanpalo (F)
Substitutes
- 1 L. Hradecky
- 23 L. Bergstrom
- 3 J. Niska
- 4 R. Ivanov
- 8 R. Lod
- 9 N. Skytta
- 10 T. Pukki
- 13 O. Jukkola
- 16 A. Suhonen
- 18 T. Keskinen
- 22 N. Pyyhtia
Malta
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 1 H. Bonello (G)
- 22 Z. Muscat (D)
- 5 K. Shaw (D)
- 13 E. Pepe (D)
- 21 J. C. Corbalan
- 6 M. Guillaumier (M)
- 23 A. Satariano
- 7 J. Mbong (M)
- 8 P. Mbong (M)
- 20 Y. Chouaref (M)
- 11 I. Cardona (F)
Substitutes
- 12 M. Debono
- 16 R. Al Tumi
- 2 J. Borg
- 3 A. Overend
- 4 J. Carragher
- 9 J. Grech
- 10 B. Paiber
- 14 G. Mentz
- 15 M. Beerman
- 17 A. Zammit
- 18 Y. Yankam
- 19 T. Buhagiar
Timeline
-
61' Finland subst · Substitution 1Off: J. Pohjanpalo · On: R. Lod
-
65' Malta subst · Substitution 1Off: J. Mbong · On: Adam Magri Overend
-
73' Finland subst · Substitution 2Off: A. Markhiev · On: N. Skytta
-
73' Finland subst · Substitution 3Off: R. Mahuta · On: O. Jukkola
-
78' Finland subst · Substitution 4Off: B. Kallman · On: T. Pukki
-
78' Finland subst · Substitution 5Off: O. Antman · On: T. Keskinen
-
79' Malta subst · Substitution 2Off: P. Mbong · On: J. Grech
-
79' Malta subst · Substitution 3Off: Z. Muscat · On: Gabriel Mentz
-
81' Malta Goal · Normal GoalJ. Grech · Assist: I. Chouaref
-
88' Malta subst · Substitution 4Off: Enrico Pepe · On: J. Borg
-
88' Malta subst · Substitution 5Off: I. Cardona · On: Andrea Zammit
Match Stats
| Stat | Finland | Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 15 | 9 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% | 77% |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 16 | 4 |
| Corners | 9 | 1 |
| Total Passes | 563 | 360 |
| Yellow Cards | — | — |
| Blocked Shots | 5 | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 1 |
| xG | 3.10 | 0.11 |
| Shots off Target | 3 | 1 |
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 490 | 276 |
| Shots Inside Box | 15 | 1 |
| Saves | 0 | 6 |
| Shots Outside Box | 1 | 3 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ J. Grech's goal in the 81st minute for Malta shifted the momentum and secured the victory.
- ▸ Finland made several substitutions in the second half, including R. Lod and N. Skytta, but could not find an equalizer.