Hopes of making their first-ever appearance at a World Cup finals were looking bleak for Finland ahead of kick-off, but they nearly got off to the perfect start when Benjamin Kallman unleashed a fierce close-range effort that Henry Bonello did brilliantly to keep out.
Playing only for pride after failing to win any of their six 2026 qualifiers (D2, L4), Malta rarely threatened in the first period, though Joseph Mbong thought he had forced Viljami Sinisalo into his first save, only for a brilliant last-ditch block to deny him.
Bonello was again called back into the action shortly before the break, pulling off a fine save to halt Joel Pohjanpalo’s strike before producing an even better stop a minute later to deny Oliver Antman.
Knowing it was a case of win or surrender the playoff position in Group G to Poland, Finland were back on the attack after eight minutes of the second half. However, the Eagle-owls found Bonello in their way, yet again.
Initially, Adam Markhiyev’s effort fired in from just outside the area was well-saved before Leo Walta was the next to feel the frustration three minutes later, as his strike, which looked to be heading for the top corner, was expertly plucked out of the air by Bonello.
Antman threatened again in the 71st minute, but Malta’s shot-stopper was in no mood to be beaten.
Remarkably, it was Malta who finally opened the scoring in the 82nd minute as Grech beat Sinisalo with a stunning effort from distance to secure his nation’s first victory of 2026 World Cup qualifying.
A disappointing night in Helsinki, which Bonello will certainly take credit for, leaves Finland still searching for a second appearance at a major tournament.
Meanwhile, Malta will turn their attention towards their final qualifier as they take on Poland on Monday, hoping to avoid finishing bottom of Group G after climbing above Lithuania into fourth.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Henry Bonello (Malta)
