Ta’Qali, Malta — Malta go face Finland for their first game of di UEFA World Cup qualifying campaign on March 21, 2025, for Ta’Qali National Stadium. This match be critical for both teams as dem try to grab better position for World Cup 2026.
Malta never don participate for World Cup before, and dem finish last in their group with only five points during di qualifying for di 2022 edition. In contrast, Finland show better performance last time, finishing third in their group, collecting 11 points, and narrowly missing-out on playoff opportunity.
Before dis match, Malta don show improvement as dem keep four clean sheets in their last four matches — a feat dem no achieve for di last 21 matches. Despite dis solid defense, di team don suffer greatly, losing 20 of their last 24 qualifying matches, winning only once. Head coach’s side dey display resilience lately, going unbeaten in four matches across all competitions.
Finland, on di other hand, don struggle for form. Dem play Nations League match on November 17, 2024, but fail to make serious impact, creating no big chances and having just one shot in di first half. Di team don fail to score in four of their last six matches, managing only two goals. Di last time Finland face Malta in 2018, dem wipe di floor with dem, winning 5-0.
Both teams don face issues with form as Finland dey enter dis match on a six-game losing streak, suffering five defeats in dat period. Dis shocking form put extra pressure on dem to find a way to win in Malta, especially as away matches don prove challenging for dem.
Malta likely go use back three formation with some key players missing from di squad. Di likely lineup fit include Bonello; Shaw, Pepe, and Borg at di back; while midfielder and strikers go be J Mbong, Guillaumier, Teuma and Buhagiar wedged between di attacking trio of P Mbong and Tuma.
Finland go try hold di line with a strong defensive setup, thought Hradecky go lead dem in goal. Him likely defensive counterparts fit include Tenho, Ivanov, and Vaisanen. Di squad go also have Kairinen, Kamara, and Alho in midfield, working to support attackers like Pohjanpalo and Lod.
Di clash between Malta and Finland, na big chance for Malta to assert demself as formidable opponents and get di three points at home against Finland wey dey face their own challenges. Sudden turn for either team fit shake di table and touch dem World Cup hopes.
