In a crucial World Cup qualification clash, Finland is set to host Malta on Friday evening in Group G, with both teams vying for differing outcomes as the qualification journey reaches its climax. For Finland, a victory is essential if they hope to secure a playoff spot for the 2026 World Cup. Currently positioned third in the group, the Nordic side trails second-placed Poland by three points. However, this match serves as their final opportunity in the qualification journey, making it all the more critical.
Finland’s performance in Group G has seen them earn three wins, one draw, and three losses in their seven matches, accumulating a total of 10 points. Their hopes of finishing second hinge not only on defeating Malta but also on Poland losing their remaining games against the Netherlands and Malta. The road hasn’t been smooth for Finland recently, with the team suffering losses in three of their last four matches, including two defeats in their qualifying fixtures. Nevertheless, a recent home victory against Lithuania has kept them in contention for a place in the World Cup playoffs.
Historically, Finland has struggled to qualify for major tournaments, with their only previous success at Euro 2020, where they exited in the group stage. Against Malta, they have a favorable record; out of nine encounters, Finland has claimed six victories, including a streak of six consecutive wins since Malta’s last win over them in 1988. The last meeting between these two teams was a tense affair that ended in a slim 1-0 win for Finland earlier this year, while their last encounter in Finland saw Malta suffer a heavy 5-0 defeat.
On the other hand, Malta has had a challenging qualification campaign, recording only two victories since their World Cup qualification journey began in 1994. With only two points from six matches—comprised of two draws and four losses—they sit at the bottom of Group G, one point behind fourth-placed Lithuania. Scoring has been a significant issue for the Maltese team, as they have netted just once while conceding 16 goals throughout the group stage. Despite their struggles, finishing fourth could be seen as a success for them.
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In the buildup to the match, team news highlights that Finland’s veteran striker Teemu Pukki, who has netted 42 goals for the national team, is expected to feature for the last time in international competition. The squad will also likely see involvement from players based in Scotland, such as Oliver Antman and Topi Keskinen. Captain Lukas Hradecky is nearing a landmark 102nd cap, and midfield playmaker Robin Lod is also expected to play a pivotal role.
For Malta, there is a welcome return for James Carragher, who has recovered from injury and could earn his fifth cap. However, the team will miss the services of Ryan Camenzuli and Teddy Teuma due to suspension. This opens opportunities for Myles Beerman and Jake Grech to make an impact. Joseph Mbong, with three goals in 69 appearances, and forward Irvin Cardona are also anticipated to play critical roles in the attacking lineup.
As the match approaches, predictions lean towards a narrow victory for Finland, with a final score forecasted at 2-1. While Malta may capitalize on their chances and score their second goal of the group phase, Finland is expected to maintain their advantage and secure the vital points needed for their playoff ambitions. The stage is set for what promises to be an intense encounter as both sides strive for their respective goals.
