Malta snatched its first win in World Cup qualifying after converting its only shot on target to stun Finland 1-0 in Helsinki on Friday.

Midfielder Jake Grech came off the bench in the 79th minute and scored the decisive goal three minutes later. It was only Malta's second goal in seven qualifiers, against 16 conceded.

Finland enjoyed most of the possession, and had 14 attempts and hit the woodwork.

Malta rose to fourth in Europe Group G, five points behind Finland, which can't qualify. The Netherlands could later secure a place in the 2026 finals from the same group with a win over Poland.

Meanwhile, in Group A, Germany will be guaranteed of a top-two finish if it beats Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fails to defeat Slovakia, or if Germany draws and Northern Ireland loses.

AP soccer

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