MALTA manager Ray Farrugia ‘knocked himself out’ after he banged his head on the dugout during his side’s defeat to Spain.
And the 64-year-old worryingly admitted he could not remember the last 20 minutes of the game.
Malta coach Ray Farrugia cut his head on the dugout during Malta’s thrashing at the hands of SpainCredit: Sky Sports
The 64-year-old worryingly said he could not remember the last 20 minutes of the gameCredit: AFP or Licensors
Farrugia had to be treated to by medics and had an open wound on the top of his bald head in the 64th minute of the Euro 2020 qualifier in Cadiz on Friday.
He was sporting a large plaster as he spoke in the post-match press conference.
Farrugia, who was part of the Malta side who were infamously trounced 12-1 by Spain in a decisive qualifier for Euro 1984, said: “Of the last 20 minutes, I don’t remember hardly anything.
“We were playing against the best team in the world.
“With these players Spain have the best team around and I think these players could easily go on to win the European Championship.”
RESOUNDING WIN
Spain clinched top spot in Group F in style by hammering Malta 7-0 at home for their biggest win of their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign as seven players got on the scoresheet.
Spain had sealed their place at next year’s tournament last month in unconvincing fashion by drawing 1-1 with both Norway and Sweden but they created a party atmosphere in Cadiz with a superb display of attacking football.
The Spaniards lead the standings with 23 points from nine matches, five more than second-placed Sweden who booked their place at Euro 2020 with a 2-0 win over Romania.
Alvaro Morata put the Spaniards on their way to a resounding victory over Malta by netting midway through the first half, scoring for the seventh consecutive game for club and country.
DEBUT GOALS
Santi Cazorla doubled the lead shortly before half-time with his first goal for his country in over four years,
It was a special moment for the much-loved 34-year-old who has staged a remarkable recovery from a career-threatening foot injury.
Robert Moreno’s side turned on the style in the second half, with defender Pau Torres marking his debut with a goal in the 62nd minute.
And Pablo Sarabia also netted for the first time for Spain less than a minute later.
Dinamo Zagreb striker Dani Olmo then came off the bench to make his Spain debut and moments later marked the occasion by scoring his side’s fifth goal.
Gerard Moreno soon followed by netting his first goal for Spain.
Jesus Navas produced the most impressive strike of the evening for goal number seven, finding the top corner from outside the area.
Not remembering the last 20 minutes could have been a blessing in disguise as Malta were wallopedCredit: AFP
The 64-year-old footie boss sported a plaster on his bonce in the press conferenceCredit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
