Malta’s men’s water polo national team has secured its place in the final phase of the European Championship for the sixth consecutive edition after overcoming Portugal 17–13 in their second and decisive Group D qualifier. The result guarantees Malta’s participation in the 2025 championship finals to be held in Belgrade next January.
This marks the second qualification under the coaching of Milan Cirovic and ASA president Karl Izzo — with the latter having previously led the national side through four earlier successful qualifying campaigns as head coach. Malta’s victory follows up on an earlier win against Ukraine in the same group.
Veteran Leadership & Sharp Execution in Crucial Moments
Key contributions came from seasoned players Stevie Camilleri and Matthew Zammit, both of whom reaffirmed their ongoing value to the national squad. Malta’s overall display showed improvement compared to their previous outing against Ukraine, particularly in their execution of man-up opportunities, converting 7 out of 8 numerical advantages — a notable efficiency.
On the other hand, Portugal were awarded 17 man-up situations, with several referee decisions drawing criticism, yet they were unable to capitalise enough to overturn Malta’s early momentum.
Match Breakdown
Malta made a strong start, scoring four unanswered goals in the opening quarter. Portugal responded early in the second session with two man-up goals to narrow the gap to 5–2, but the Maltese side quickly regained control, firing in another four consecutive goals to stretch the lead to 9–2. A long-range strike from Camilleri restored a commanding seven-goal lead going into halftime.
Despite trailing, Portugal remained combative and managed to score three goals in the latter part of the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 12–7. A clever backhand from Darren Zammit briefly steadied Malta, although Portugal again cut the margin with another man-up conversion.
Tensions rose early in the final quarter as Pedro Sousa’s goal brought Portugal within four, sparking concerns of a potential comeback similar to Ukraine’s the day before. However, Malta held their nerve. Two quick goals by Camilleri and Jake Bonavia effectively shut down Portuguese hopes. Portugal found the net late, but Malta maintained composure and control to see out the match.
Final Score: Portugal 13 – Malta 17
(Quarter Scores: 0–4, 3–6, 5–3, 5–4)
Final Lineups:
Portugal:
P. Camargo, R. Teixeira (1), X. Sousa (1), J.P. Costa, D. Sobetchi (1), P. Sousa (3), R. Ramos (2), S. Lopes (1), R. Sousa (1), D. Pinto (2), L. Abreu, T. Paraty (1), S. Veiga, J. Moreira
Malta:
J. Tanti, J. Muscat (2), L. Galea (2), B. Cachia (1), S. Gialanze, M. Zammit (2), S. Camilleri (4), J. Cutajar (1), J. Abela (1), N. Zammit (2), D. Zammit (1), J. Bonavia (1), B. Busuttil, E. Schembri
Referees:
Maxim Gerasimov (UK), R. Evers (Netherlands)
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