Malta made a winning start to their campaign at the World Aquatics Water Polo 4×4 Open Championships after overcoming Australia in a penalty shoot-out following a thrilling opening match in Dubrovnik.
The competition features a different format from traditional water polo, with teams fielding four players and matches divided into four separate sessions. A point is awarded for each session won, with a penalty shoot-out required when the teams finish level at two sessions apiece.
Malta made the brighter start against Australia, edging the opening session 4-3.
Veteran Stevie Camilleri led the way with two goals, while Alec Fenech and Liam Galea also found the net to give the Maltese side the first point of the contest.
Australia responded in the second session, winning it 3-2 to level the match at 1-1. Sam Gialanze scored both Malta goals, including one from the penalty spot.
The third session proved equally competitive, but Australia again had the edge as they secured another 3-2 victory to move 2-1 ahead overall.
Fenech and Gialanze were Malta’s scorers, leaving the Maltese side needing to win the fourth session to force a shoot-out.
Malta responded in emphatic fashion.
Julian Valletta, Fenech and Miguel Mifsud put Malta firmly in control before Fenech struck a double goal as the Maltese dominated the final session 5-0.
That result levelled the match at two sessions apiece and sent the contest to penalties.
Goalkeeper Jake Tanti emerged as Malta’s hero in the shoot-out, saving attempts from Daniel Kerr and Thomas Ophir.
Gialanze and Galea then converted Malta’s penalties to seal a memorable victory over the Australians and give Malta a positive start to the tournament.
Malta now face hosts Croatia on Tuesday in what promises to be another demanding test.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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