Malta’s national team delivered one of its brightest moments in recent memory last night, stunning Finland with an 82nd-minute rocket from Jake Grech to seal a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Helsinki.

It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, but the late winner sent Maltese fans into absolute scenes, and the country’s leaders wasted no time in sharing the pride online.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola couldn’t hide her excitement, posting a celebratory shot to her socials alongside the caption:

“So proud of Malta, whose football team beat Finland in the World Cup qualifier in Helsinki tonight. Next time I need to win an argument at home, I’ll just bring out this photo as a gentle reminder.”

Prime Minister Robert Abela also joined in the celebrations, writing:
“Proud of you boys.”

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition party Alex Borg felt national pride, writing:
“It-tim nazzjonali Malti reġa’ għamilna kburin. Grazzi. Wara l-bajda u l-ħamra dejjem.”