Malta suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to hosts Georgia in their second match of the 2026 Euro Beach Soccer League Division B in Batumi on Friday, despite producing an impressive and spirited performance.
The Maltese side matched the tournament hosts for long periods, creating several scoring opportunities and keeping Georgia under sustained pressure throughout the contest. However, two goals in the second period ultimately proved decisive.
Malta made an encouraging start and nearly took the lead after just two minutes and 10 seconds when Cutajar’s effort flashed narrowly wide of the target. Just 30 seconds later, Cutajar was called into action at the other end, producing an excellent save to deny Lomidze.
The opening period ended goalless, but the match became far more open after the interval.
In the 15th minute, Malta captain Venuto came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when his powerful 20-metre strike crashed against the post.
Georgia capitalised on that let-off two minutes later. Ivaniadze unleashed a powerful shot that took a deflection off Diakvnishvili before finding the back of the net to give the hosts the lead.
With just 42 seconds remaining in the second period, Georgia doubled their advantage from a corner. The Maltese defence failed to clear the danger and Chikirov forced the ball over the line to make it 2-0.
Malta refused to surrender and dominated large spells of the third period in search of a comeback.
Demanuele struck the post once again for Malta, while Bray and Cutajar both had excellent opportunities to reduce the deficit.
The Maltese persistence was finally rewarded in the dying seconds when Bray produced one of the goals of the tournament so far โ a spectacular bicycle kick from 10 metres out that flew past the Georgian goalkeeper.
The stunning strike and Malta’s overall display earned warm applause from the packed arena, including many Georgian supporters who recognised the quality and determination shown by the visiting side despite the result.
Malta will now turn their attention to their third match of the tournament, where they will face England on Saturday at 4pm CEST.
Teams
Georgia: Makharadze (c), Didia, Meskhi, Ivaniadze, Chikirov, Shamiladze, Partenadze, Lomidze, Diakvnishvili, Sulaberidze, Kokhereidze, Kurdadze, Mamaladze.
Malta: Muscat, Barbara, Desira, Caruana, Agius, Venuto (c), Schembri, Camenzuli, Cutajar, Barone, Bray, Cassar, Demanuele, Falzon.
Referees: Susanna Fiammetta (Italy), Dmytro Dudka (Ukraine), Nail Naghiyev (Azerbaijan).
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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