Croatia prove too Strong, defeat Malta 3-0 in friendly

Malta suffered a 3-0 defeat against a clinical Croatia side in the second of their two international friendly matches, held on Monday evening at the Centenary Stadium.

The match began tentatively, with both teams struggling to establish a prolonged period of possession. Croatia created the first major chance, with Ivana Rudelić’s attempt inside the box smartly parried away by Malta goalkeeper Maya Cachia.

Malta responded swiftly in the 12th minute when Rachel Cuschieri tested Croatian keeper Doris Bačić with a long-range shot. Cachia was soon called into action again, tipping away a near-post strike from Karla Kurkutović before making a brilliant stop to deny Rudelić’s half-volley in the 23rd minute.

Malta displayed some excellent build-up play in the 36th minute, working the ball to Maria Farrugia, who set up Cuschieri for a shot that was blocked by Bačić.

Croatia finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when a cross from the right wing found Maja Joščak, who connected with a powerful header that beat Cachia, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

The visitors doubled their advantage just minutes into the second half. Capitalizing on a midfield loose pass, Ivana Rudelić ran through on goal and tucked the ball past Cachia (48′).

The remainder of the half became a midfield battle. Croatia extended their lead further in the 75th minute when a cross from the left was finished at the back post by Karla Kurkutović, who slipped in behind the defence to wrap up the scoring at 3-0.

Despite the defeat, Malta’s side, led by Coach Manuela Tesse, saw out a testing but ultimately fruitful international window.

Match Statistics

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY Date: 01.12.2025 Venue: Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali.

Final Score: Malta 0 – 3 Croatia (Half-Time: 0-1).

Goal Scorers:

• Croatia: Maja Joščak (41’), Ivana Rudelić (48’), Karla Kurkutović (75’).

Attendance: 196 Referee: Rapjan Xhyra.

Yellow Cards:

• Laura Vlastelica (Croatia).

Lineups & Substitutions:

Malta: Maya Cachia (GK) (Patricia Ebejer, 73’), Emma Lipman (C) (Maya Lucia, 73’), Stephania Farrugia, Oceane Grange, Sara Saliba, Rachel Cuschieri (Brenda Borg, 73’), Maria Farrugia, Shona Zammit (Leah Ayres, 80’), Yulya Carella (Kailey Willis, 46’), Nicole Sciberras, Rebecca Bajada (Georgiana Mifsud, 85’).

Coach: Manuela Tesse.

Croatia: Doris Bačić (GK) (C) (Ana Ristovski, 85’), Lucia Orkić (Petra Mikulica, 85’), Ana Jelenčić, Lucija Vunić (Kristina Nevrkla, 80’), Tea Vračević (Laura Vlastelica, 80’), Maja Joščak (Paula Vidović, 76’), Ivana Rudelić (Ivana Slipčević, 76’), Helena Spajić (Siena Stambolic, 85’), Janja Čanjevac (Izabela Lojna, 85’), Karla Kurkutović (Ella Luština, 85’), Barbara Živković.

Coach: Nenad Gračan.

Gerald Fenech

Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist