Malta’s U21 side battled valiantly in Fürth but were ultimately overpowered by a clinical German team, who ran out 6–0 winners in Friday’s European Championship qualifier. Despite the heavy scoreline, Malta delivered long stretches of disciplined defending and carved out several dangerous moments of their own—particularly in the second half.

Germany Strike Early Despite Sargent’s Heroics

Germany wasted no time applying pressure. After just five minutes, Mert Kömür found space inside the area, but Karl Sargent reacted brilliantly to keep the score level.

The hosts, however, broke through moments later. Tom Bischof surged through the middle and placed a well-taken left-footed shot into the bottom corner to give Germany the lead.

Sargent continued to keep Malta in the game, producing another superb save to deny Kemlein on 16 minutes. At the other end, a positive Maltese move saw Andrew Borg set up Shaisen Attard, but the defender’s effort was blocked.

Despite Malta’s organisation and determination, Germany doubled their lead on 37 minutes. A precise through ball released Karl Lennart, who found space before finishing neatly.

Malta kept Germany at bay for the remainder of the half, heading into the break trailing 2–0.

Second Half: Malta Fight Back, Germany Clinical

Malta started the second period with renewed intent. An excellent move on 51 minutes saw Keyon Ewurum beat his marker before teeing up Jake Grech, whose shot was blocked at the last moment.

Sargent then produced a stunning double save shortly after, denying Germany a third with two quickfire stops. But Germany’s pressure eventually told.

Bischof struck again on 63 minutes with a powerful long-range shot, before completing his hat-trick just two minutes later. Lennart added his second in the 67th minute to make it 5–0.

Tuma Sparks Malta Response

Malta refused to capitulate. Basil Tuma made an immediate impact after being introduced, bursting through the German defence three times in less than ten minutes:

• 68’ – A low effort saved by Backhaus
• 77’ – A strike from a tight angle into the side-netting
• 81’ – A drilled cross towards Sean Gatt, whose header went wide

These opportunities highlighted Malta’s determination to keep pushing forward despite Germany’s dominance.

Germany added a sixth in the 86th minute when Muhammed Damar’s effort deflected into the net.

Full-Time: Heavy Defeat, but a Commendable Effort

The match ended 6–0, with Malta showing courage, discipline, and spells of confident play but ultimately falling to a technically superior German side.

Malta now turn their focus to Tuesday’s home qualifier against Latvia at the Centenary Stadium (19:00), where they will aim to respond with a positive performance.

UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier – Group Stage
14 November 2025 – Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer, Fürth

GERMANY 6
MALTA 0
(HT 2–0)

Scorers:
9’ Bischof (GER), 37’ Lennart (GER), 63’ Bischof (GER), 65’ Bischof (GER), 67’ Lennart (GER), 86’ Damar (GER)

Line-ups

Germany:
Backhaus, Ullrich, Jeltsch (Kade 66’), Collins, Bischof (C), Tresoldi (Weiper 66’), Quarshie, Kemlein (Damar 66’), Kömür (Ibrahimovic 78’), Ansah (Pejcinovic 66’), Lennart
Coach: Antonio Di Salvo

Malta:
Sargent, Vassallo, Scicluna, Borg (Letherby 71’), Attard (Gatt 78’), Tuma (Cross 83’), Grech (Caruana 71’), Ewurum (Pitts 71’), Micallef (C), Azzopardi, Hili
Coach: Davide Mazzotta