KICK-OFFpublished at 19:35 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Off we go!
No changes for Northern Ireland at the break.
KICK-OFFpublished at 19:35 British Summer Time 12 July
Postpublished at 19:34 British Summer Time 12 July
HT: Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
The players are back out on the pitch in Malta.
Northern Ireland are 45 minutes away from a Euro 2025 play-off. Will they see this one out?
Northern Ireland 'will be confident'published at 19:28 British Summer Time 12 July
HT: Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentaryIt's unfortunate for Malta that it's an own goal but it doesn't matter for Northern Ireland, the ball has gone into the back of the net and they have grown into the game as the half developed.
I'm sure they will be confident to come out and have a strong second half performance and look to get some more shots on target and hopefully score a couple more goals.
Postpublished at 19:25 British Summer Time 12 July
HT: Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentaryI think Tanya [Oxtoby] will leave the team as it is for now, I don't see any reason to change it unless someone has picked up a niggle.
But I'm sure we will see changes in the second half, we have lots of strength and depth on the bench and lots of experience to bring on, so I'm sure we'll see some of those players in the second half.
Postpublished at 19:24 British Summer Time 12 July
HT: Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Stick or twist? Does Tanya Oxtoby make any changes at the break?
Image source, Press Eye'Both teams will be relatively happy with their performances'published at 19:21 British Summer Time 12 July
HT: Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentaryI think both teams will be relatively happy with their first-half performances.
Obviously there is a one goal deficit for Malta but they have shown glimpses, they have been confident on the ball and they have had opportunities to score a goal.
Northern Ireland were slow to start the game and grew into the game.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 19:20 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland are 45 minutes away from a Euro 2025 play-off.
Image source, Press EyePostpublished at 19:18 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
We're going to have two minutes of additional time, which is surprising given the water break and the stoppage for Bugeja's treatment.
Maybe the fourth official is too warm in the heat.
Northern Ireland showing 'more confidence and composure'published at 19:17 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentaryIt's been much better play from Northern Ireland in the final third as the game has developed.
They seem to have shown more confidence and composure and I think they will just be looking to have some more shots in on goal.
Postpublished at 19:14 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Anne-Marie Said tries to find the top corner but it skims the roof of the net.
No harm done.
Postpublished at 19:13 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Rebecca McKenna fouls Kailey Willis in a good position.
Can Malta grab an equaliser just before half-time?
Postpublished at 19:13 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Five minutes to go until half-time.
It's so far, so good for Northern Ireland.
Postpublished at 19:11 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentaryPositive play from Northern Ireland in the set play there to do something different and work it short first and that seemed to catch Malta off guard.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 19:11 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Charlene Zammit is the first player into the book for showing her studs when sliding in on Louise McDaniel.
GREAT SAVE!published at 19:10 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
It should be two!
McDaniel plays it short to Halliday, whose delivery causes chaos in the area!
Rachel Dugdale heads towards goal but Ebejer does really well to push the ball away.
It comes back in for Holloway at the back post, but she can only head it over.
Two really good chances!
Postpublished at 19:08 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Kerry Beattie finds Louise McDaniel out wide, who does well to win a free-kick in a promising position.
'I don't think the keeper has had a shot to save in open play'published at 19:08 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Julie Nelson
Northern Ireland's most capped player on co-commentaryI think there has been one ball into the box from open play for Northern Ireland and I don't think the keeper has had a shot to save in open play so Northern Ireland will be looking to improve on that.
SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 19:07 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Haley Bugeja can't continue for the hosts and is replaced by Maya Lucia.
Postpublished at 19:06 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Malta are down to 10 players as Bugeja is down receiving treatment.
It looked pretty innocuous as she challenged for the ball, but the striker looks in some discomfort as she is treated on the sideline.
Postpublished at 19:04 British Summer Time 12 July
Malta 0-1 Northern Ireland
Here's how Northern Ireland took the lead in Malta.
It's a disaster for Emma Lipman as she passes the ball into her own net.
Media caption, Northern Ireland take the lead after Malta own goal
Watch: Northern Ireland book Euro 2025 play-off with Malta win
Northern Ireland booked their place in the Euro 2025 play-offs with a 2-0 victory over Malta at the Centenary Stadium.
An early own goal from Emma Lipman gave Tanya Oxtoby's side the lead in an entertaining first half.
Kerry Beattie provided the highlight of an otherwise drab second half with an 80th-minute goal that sealed victory.
They will discover their opponents for the first round of the play-offs when the draw is made on 19 July.
Frantic start in Ta' Qali heat
Oxtoby made four changes to the side narrowly beaten by Portugal at Mourneview Park last month in what was arguably the finest performance of her reign to date.
In-form forwards Casey Howe and Beattie were among those who started, in place of the experienced Lauren Wade and Simone Magill.
Northern Ireland looked to get off to a fast start as they did in the Portugal game, but it was Malta who began on the front foot in the searing heat in Ta' Qali.
They had an early chance to take the lead after just two minutes as Rachel Dugdale surrendered possession in a dangerous area. Maria Farrugi took advantage, striding forward before finding Haley Bugeja, whose low effort rebounded off the far post.
Kailey Willis then had a shot easily stopped by Jackie Burns, who was called into action again soon after to tip a towering header from the forward over the crossbar.
The breakthrough came against the run of play on nine minutes with Lipman attempting a routine back-pass to goalkeeper Patricia Ebejer. The defender misjudged the weight on the pass and it flew past Ebejer and nestled in the bottom corner.
An early own goal set Northern Ireland on their way to victory against Malta
After a lull, the game burst back into life on 36 minutes as Ebejer produced a fine point-blank save to deny Dugdale's header from Keri Halliday's pinpoint cross.
A scramble in the box ensued, with both Dugdale and Nadene Caldwell trying to prod the ball home. Northern Ireland managed to recycle possession with another deep delivery falling to Rebecca Holloway at the back post, but she headed wide.
Beattie header lights up drab second half
It was a much quieter opening to the second half, with Northern Ireland forced to be patient in their quest to add to their lead.
They had to wait until the 52nd minute to fashion another half-chance, with Halliday firing low into the arms of Ebejer after good link-up play with Beattie.
Oxtoby's side remained composed and Beattie duly took her chance when the opportunity arrived on 79 minutes after nice build-up play. She glanced home a close-range header from a superb delivery from Rebecca McKenna.
Northern Ireland's attentions will now turn to their final qualifier at home to Bosnia & Herzegovina at Windsor Park on Tuesday.
A win in that game would guarantee they finish second in the group behind Portugal and it could mean they go into the play-off draw as a seeded team.
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification Scores & Fixtures
Friday 12th July
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification Table
On Friday 12th July
Skip to table key
Match Participants:
League A Group 1
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 |
|
| 2 | Norway | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
|
| 3 | Italy | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
|
| 4 | Finland | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 5 |
|
League A Group 2
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 5 | 11 | 12 |
|
| 2 | Denmark | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 9 |
|
| 3 | Belgium | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 16 | -11 | 4 |
|
| 4 | Czech Republic | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 4 |
|
League A Group 3
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 12 |
|
| 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| |
| 3 | Sweden | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
|
| 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 0 |
|
League A Group 4
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 12 |
|
| 2 | Iceland | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
|
| 3 | Austria | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 7 |
|
| 4 | Poland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 16 | -12 | 0 |
|
League B Group 1
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 12 |
|
| 2 | Hungary | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
|
| 3 | Turkey | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 6 |
|
| 4 | Azerbaijan | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 4 |
|
League B Group 2
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 11 | 13 |
| |
| 2 | Serbia | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 13 |
|
| 3 | Slovakia | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 3 |
|
| 4 | Israel | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 16 | -13 | 0 |
|
- Northern Ireland, Position 2, Points 7
- Malta, Position 4, Points 1
League B Group 3
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 10 | 13 |
|
| 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | Bosnia-Herzegovina | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 7 |
|
| 4 | Malta | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 1 |
|
League B Group 4
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 13 | 11 |
| |
| 2 | Croatia | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 9 |
|
| 3 | Ukraine | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
|
| 4 | Kosovo | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 15 | -15 | 0 |
|
League C Group 1
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belarus | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 15 |
|
| 2 | Georgia | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 7 |
|
| 3 | Lithuania | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 7 |
|
| 4 | Cyprus | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 0 |
|
League C Group 2
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slovenia | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 22 | 15 |
|
| 2 | North Macedonia | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 13 | -3 | 7 |
|
| 3 | Latvia | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 15 | -9 | 6 |
|
| 4 | Moldova | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 13 | -10 | 1 |
|
League C Group 3
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greece | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 12 | 13 |
|
| 2 | Montenegro | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 7 | 12 | 10 |
|
| 3 | Faroe Islands | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 6 |
|
| 4 | Andorra | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 24 | -22 | 0 |
|
League C Group 4
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romania | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 15 |
|
| 2 | Bulgaria | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 6 |
|
| 3 | Armenia | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 15 | -8 | 6 |
|
| 4 | Kazakhstan | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 3 |
|
League C Group 5
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albania | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 9 |
|
| 2 | Luxembourg | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
|
| 3 | Estonia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
|
Key
- Position 1 - 2 : Final Tournament
- Position 3 - 4 : Play-off
Team Lineups
home team, Malta
Manager: Manuela Tesse
Formation: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Pitch Formation
23, Ebejer, Goalkeeper
5, Farrugia, Defender
16, Zammit, Defender
4, Lipman, Defender
3, Said, Defender
8, Cuschieri, Defensive Midfielder
14, Zammit, Defensive Midfielder
17, Borg, Defensive Midfielder
10, Farrugia, Attacking Midfielder
9, Willis, Striker
21, Bugeja, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 23, P. Ebejer
- Number 3, A. Said
- Number 4, E. Lipman , substituted for V. Rapa at 86 minutes
- Number 16, C. Zammit , Yellow Card at 39 minutes, substituted for E. Xuereb at 87 minutes
- Number 5, S. Farrugia , Captain
- Number 17, B. Borg
- Number 14, S. Zammit
- Number 8, R. Cuschieri , substituted for G. Zahra at 91 minutes
- Number 10, M. Farrugia
- Number 21, H. Bugeja , substituted for M. Lucia at 36 minutes
- Number 9, K. Willis , substituted for L. Farrugia at 86 minutes
Substitutes
home team, Malta
- Number 1, M. Cachia
- Number 12, R. Costantino
- Number 19, M. Debono
- Number 7, L. Farrugia , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 3
- Number 11, J. Flask
- Number 22, A. Gatt
- Number 13, M. Lucia
- Number 15, V. Mifsud
- Number 6, V. Rapa
- Number 20, N. Sciberras
- Number 18, E. Xuereb , Yellow Card at 90 minutes
- Number 2, G. Zahra
away team, Northern Ireland
Manager: Tanya Oxtoby
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Burns, Goalkeeper
2, McKenna, Defender
6, Rafferty, Defender
4, Dugdale, Defender
15, Holloway, Defender
16, Caldwell, Defensive Midfielder
5, McPartlan, Defensive Midfielder
22, Howe, Attacking Midfielder
18, McDaniel, Attacking Midfielder
10, Halliday, Attacking Midfielder
21, Beattie, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, J. Burns , Yellow Card at 90 minutes
- Number 15, R. Holloway
- Number 4, R. Dugdale
- Number 6, L. Rafferty , Captain
- Number 2, R. McKenna
- Number 5, B. McPartlan
- Number 16, N. Caldwell
- Number 10, K. Halliday , substituted for D. Maxwell at 86 minutes
- Number 18, L. McDaniel , substituted for J. Andrews at 71 minutes
- Number 22, C. Howe , substituted for L. Wade at 86 minutes
- Number 21, K. Beattie
away team, Northern Ireland
- Number 17, J. Andrews
- Number 13, K. Burrows
- Number 8, M. Callaghan
- Number 20, C. Hamilton
- Number 23, M. Harvey-Clifford
- Number 9, S. Magill
- Number 11, D. Maxwell
- Number 7, C. McCarron
- Number 12, L. Perry
- Number 3, D. Vance
- Number 14, L. Wade
- Number 19, E. Wilson
home team, Malta
Manager: Manuela Tesse
Formation: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Pitch Formation
23, Ebejer, Goalkeeper
5, Farrugia, Defender
16, Zammit, Defender
4, Lipman, Defender
3, Said, Defender
8, Cuschieri, Defensive Midfielder
14, Zammit, Defensive Midfielder
17, Borg, Defensive Midfielder
10, Farrugia, Attacking Midfielder
9, Willis, Striker
21, Bugeja, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 23, P. Ebejer
- Number 3, A. Said
- Number 4, E. Lipman , substituted for V. Rapa at 86 minutes
- Number 16, C. Zammit , Yellow Card at 39 minutes, substituted for E. Xuereb at 87 minutes
- Number 5, S. Farrugia , Captain
- Number 17, B. Borg
- Number 14, S. Zammit
- Number 8, R. Cuschieri , substituted for G. Zahra at 91 minutes
- Number 10, M. Farrugia
- Number 21, H. Bugeja , substituted for M. Lucia at 36 minutes
- Number 9, K. Willis , substituted for L. Farrugia at 86 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 1, M. Cachia
- Number 12, R. Costantino
- Number 19, M. Debono
- Number 7, L. Farrugia , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 3
- Number 11, J. Flask
- Number 22, A. Gatt
- Number 13, M. Lucia
- Number 15, V. Mifsud
- Number 6, V. Rapa
- Number 20, N. Sciberras
- Number 18, E. Xuereb , Yellow Card at 90 minutes
- Number 2, G. Zahra
away team, Northern Ireland
Manager: Tanya Oxtoby
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Pitch Formation
1, Burns, Goalkeeper
2, McKenna, Defender
6, Rafferty, Defender
4, Dugdale, Defender
15, Holloway, Defender
16, Caldwell, Defensive Midfielder
5, McPartlan, Defensive Midfielder
22, Howe, Attacking Midfielder
18, McDaniel, Attacking Midfielder
10, Halliday, Attacking Midfielder
21, Beattie, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, J. Burns , Yellow Card at 90 minutes
- Number 15, R. Holloway
- Number 4, R. Dugdale
- Number 6, L. Rafferty , Captain
- Number 2, R. McKenna
- Number 5, B. McPartlan
- Number 16, N. Caldwell
- Number 10, K. Halliday , substituted for D. Maxwell at 86 minutes
- Number 18, L. McDaniel , substituted for J. Andrews at 71 minutes
- Number 22, C. Howe , substituted for L. Wade at 86 minutes
- Number 21, K. Beattie
Substitutes
- Number 17, J. Andrews
- Number 13, K. Burrows
- Number 8, M. Callaghan
- Number 20, C. Hamilton
- Number 23, M. Harvey-Clifford
- Number 9, S. Magill
- Number 11, D. Maxwell
- Number 7, C. McCarron
- Number 12, L. Perry
- Number 3, D. Vance
- Number 14, L. Wade
- Number 19, E. Wilson
- Referee:
- Cansu Tiryaki
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Sedef Aktan
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Merve Turan
- Fourth Official:
- Melek Dakan
Match Officials
Season so far
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Key, Malta v N. Ireland
Goals scored
Malta 2Northern Ireland 10Goals conceded
Malta 10Northern Ireland 8Shots
Malta 8Northern Ireland 52Shots on target
Malta 2Northern Ireland 23Shots off target
Malta 6Northern Ireland 29Blocked shots
Malta 1Northern Ireland 22Passing accuracy %
Malta 62.6Northern Ireland 74Points dropped from a winning position
Malta 3Northern Ireland 3Form guide
All competitions
Malta lose
v Bosnia-Herzegovina
2
1
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Northern Ireland lose
v Portugal
1
2
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Malta lose
v Bosnia-Herzegovina
0
1
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Northern Ireland lose
v Portugal
4
0
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Malta lose
v Portugal
0
2
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Northern Ireland won
v Bosnia-Herzegovina
1
3
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Malta draw
v Northern Ireland
0
0
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Northern Ireland draw
v Malta
0
0
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Malta draw
v Belarus
1
1
Friendlies Women
Northern Ireland draw
v Montenegro
1
1
UEFA Women's Nations League
Previous meetings
All competitions
Malta and Northern IrelandMalta Won 0Northern Ireland Won 0Draw 1
Played
1
Previous scores
All competitions
UEFA Women's Championship Qualification
Northern Ireland 0 , Malta 0 on the 5th of April 2024
Northern Ireland
Malta
5th of April 2024