Mifsud keeps Maltese run going

Malta 1-0 Azerbaijan
Michael Mifsud scored on his 21st birthday to secure a 1-0 victory for Malta against Azerbaijan in Valletta tonight.

Six without defeat
The 1. FC Kaiserslautern striker took advantage of a defensive blunder in the 58th minute to score the only goal of a tightly-contested match as the Maltese extended their unbeaten run to six matches.

Yadullayev blunder
Azerbaijani defender Ilham Yadullayev was the man at fault, his poor back-pass to goalkeeper Huseyn Mahammadov being intercepted by Mifsud, who rounded the hapless keeper to score.

Unjust result
Despite the win, Malta put in a lacklustre display in the National stadium, with Azerbaijan holding the initiative for much of the match, dominating most of the first period with intelligent one-touch football. In fact, had it not been for some poor finishing, Azerbaijan could have secured a draw.

Close call
After just six minutes, Azerbaijan went very close to opening the scoring, Samir Aliyev's shot being saved by Maltese goalkeeper Mario Muscat via the woodwork. The visitors almost equalised in the 80th minute, but Aliyev hit the bar with a powerful header and a bold effort from Aslan Karimov almost caught out Muscat in the Maltese goal.
 
Next test
Malta's first EURO 2004™ qualifier is away against Slovenia on 7 September.