No way through for Iceland
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Article summary
Iceland 0-0 Malta The visitors produce a determined rearguard action as Iceland's qualification hopes fade.
Article body
By Stefán Stefánsson
Iceland saw their slim chances of making the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs fade further as they were kept out by a determined Maltese rearguard.
Iceland denied
In spite of many half-chances Iceland could not score in Reykjavík to avenge their 1-0 defeat in Malta in October, and are five points adrift of second-placed Sweden with three games left, one less than their main rivals.
Malta hold out
Malta picked up four yellow cards, and in the first half free-kicks provided Iceland’s best chances. In the second period the visitors posed occasional danger on the break but in the final minutes were forced backwards only for Iceland to be denied.
September games
Having now picked up four points in the group, all against Iceland, Malta will attempt to climb out of last place on 2 September at home to Hungary. Iceland welcome leaders Croatia a day later.