Greece return to form with Malta triumph

Greece made light work of Malta in Ta' Qali to reinvigorate their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 7 campaign following Friday's loss to Turkey.

Giannis Potouridis and Dimitris Kolovos struck in the first half to give the visitors a two-goal lead at the break before Kolovos and Dimitris Diamantakos scored late to wrap up the points.

Early Greek domination paid dividends in the 17th minute when captain Potouridis slotted in a penalty after Apostolos Vellios had been fouled by Daniel Zerafa in the area. Kolovos doubled the advantage before the interval, collecting a loose ball as the Malta defence surrendered possession and sending a dipping shot past Yenez Cini in the home goal.

Malta failed to get a foothold in the game after half-time, and when Kolovos's low effort found the net in the 90th minute and Diamantakos headed an added-time fourth, the scoreline fully reflected Greece's supremacy. "We pressed Malta from the first minute and the goals followed in style," said midfielder Tassos Lagos after the final whistle. "I didn't believe we could win so comfortably but we played really well."