11/14/25 01:45:00
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11/14 13:43 CST Malta's only shot on target beats Finland in World Cup
qualifying
Malta's only shot on target beats Finland in World Cup qualifying
By SAMUEL PETREQUIN
AP Sports Writer
Malta snatched its first win in World Cup qualifying after converting its only
shot on target to stun Finland 1-0 in Helsinki on Friday.
Midfielder Jake Grech came off the bench in the 79th minute and scored the
decisive goal three minutes later. It was only Malta's second goal in seven
qualifiers, against 16 conceded.
Finland enjoyed most of the possession, and had 14 attempts and hit the
woodwork.
Malta rose to fourth in Europe Group G, five points behind Finland, which can't
qualify. The Netherlands could later secure a place in the 2026 finals from the
same group with a win over Poland.
Meanwhile, in Group A, Germany will be guaranteed of a top-two finish if it
beats Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fails to defeat Slovakia, or if Germany
draws and Northern Ireland loses.
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