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Malta wins first World Cup Qualifier in 8 years, beating Cyprus 3-0
Malta won its first World Cup qualifier in eight years, beating Cyprus 3-0 with two goals from right-back Cain Attard
Malta beat Cyprus 3-0 at home in the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night, leaving Cyprus at bottom of Group H, which consists of six teams: Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Russia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
This was the first home match for Malta with supporters since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic 18 months ago and their first-ever win in a World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali.
The 3-0 result marked Malta’s first win of their group, after a 2-2 draw against Slovakia. Malta, Cyprus and Slovenia now have four points, three behind group leaders Croatia and Russia.
Other World Cup qualifier victories for Malta came away from home against Estonia in 1993 and Armenia in 2013.
During last night’s dream match for the Maltese, Birkirkara defender Cain Attard and Hamrun Spartans’ Joseph Mbong were the stars of the show, with Attard scoring 2 goals and his first ever for Malta, and Mbong heading an impressive second goal for the team at the start of the second half.
Malta’s on a roll, with their fifth win in 12 months, including friendlies and the Nations League.
Malta will now play Slovenia on Saturday and Russia on Tuesday.
In other World Cup qualifiers Portugal beat Ireland 2-1, Denmark beat Scotland 2-0, Turkey and Montenegro drew 2-2 and Russia and Croatia played out a scoreless draw. Holland were held in Oslo by Norway 1-1.
