The Malta women’s national team defeated Croatia 3-2 on Friday in the first of two friendly matches at the Centenary Stadium.

Matches which will serve as preparation for the UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers where Malta will be facing Northern Ireland, Switzerland and Turkiye in League B2.

Photo courtesy of Malta FA

The locals managed to take the lead on 15 minutes when off an assist from the right by Maria Farrugia, Rachel Cuschieri flicked the ball past goalkeeper Doris Bacic.

Croatia equalised five minutes in the second half when following a good move, Karla Kurkutović received the ball on the right and lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Giulia D’Antuono. 

One minute later, Ivana Rudelic put Croatia ahead when following a failed clearance by the Malta rear-guard, Ivana Rudelic beat D’Antuono with a low shot from outside the area.

Malta restored equilibrium on 82 minutes courtesy of Sara Saliba who received an assist by Leah Alice Ayres and controlled the ball before slotting past the Croatian goalkeeper.

One minute later, Malta regained the lead thanks to Maria Farrugia who received a pass from the right and pulled to the left before beating the goalkeeper with a rising shot from inside the area.