Spirited Malta undone by two second-half goals

The Malta U-21 team started their Mediterranean Games campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain at the El Ejido Stadium in Almeria.

The Maltese youngsters seemed well poised to earn a prestigious draw but late second-half goals from Kepa Blanco Gonzalez and Jesus Gamez Duarte earned the three points to the host nation in the opening Group B match.

Malta coaches Silvio Vella and Edwin Camilleri must have been delighted with the performance of their players who showed great defensive organisation, especially in the first hour of the match, leaving the host nation frustrated.

Although Spain enjoyed most of the possession, it was Malta who had the best chances to win the match through young striker Ryan Fenech. The Hamrun forward almost gave Malta the lead on the stroke of half-time but his angled shot hit the upright.

Then on 71 minutes, he was well picked by Paul Fenech before unleashing a powerful shot that skimmed the upright.

But on 76 minutes it was Spain who broke the stalemate when Gonzalez headed the ball past goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

Seven minutes later, the Spanish team doubled their advantage when substitute Duarte poked the ball home from close in.

Malta finished the match with ten men when Andrei Agius was sent off late on.

Malta plays its final Group B match on Monday against Turkey.

Malta's starting formation: A. Hogg, A. Muscat, J. Mifsud, D. Camenzuli, A. Agius, C. Failla, P. Fenech, M. Gauci, D. Falzon, M. Bartolo, R. Fenech.