MALTA 15
SLOVAKIA 14
(3-0, 7-7, 3-5, 2-2)
The Malta waterpolo national team added another feather in its cap of international achievements after edging out Slovakia 15-14 in a thrilling encounter to take fifth place in the World Cup Division Two in Istanbul.
It was Malta second victory of the day after edging out Portugal on Saturday morning but once more rubberstamped the team’s resilience and determination to return home with another prestigious result that further underlines our nations’ rise in the sport.
Malta were in control throughout the first session as they managed to display a sound defensive organisation while managing to be quite prolific in front of goal.
Jayden Cutajar put the Maltese ahead with a well-taken strike before Stevie Camilleri maintained his scoring momentum with a long-range shot to make it 2-0.
Liam Galea wrapped up a positive first-session for Malta when converting a penalty to give his team a sound platform.
Slovakia, however, came into life in the second session and managed to put themselves in contention with two quickfire goals from Samuel Balaz, the second from a penalty – 3-2.
But the Maltese refused to panic and goals from Jeremy Abela, Camilleri, Cutajar (3), Liam Galea and Nikolai Zammit enabled them to change ends well in command on 10-7.
Slovakia again started the third session strongly and a brace by Tomas Bielik put them just one goal behind, 10-9.
But Cutajar soon restored Malta’s two-goal advantage.
The match remained a ding-dong affair and goals by Cutajar and Zammit put the Maltese 13-11 ahead.
Cirovic’s boys had numerous chances to extend further their advantage but missed and were punished by Balaz who pulled Slovakia just a goal behind with one session to go – 13-12.
The Slovakians grew in stature and a quick brace from Adam Furman put them 14-13 ahead.
The Maltese managed to keep their composure and Liam Galea restored parity with 3 minutes 27 seconds to go.
It was all to play for and in the end it had to be a gem of a goal from young Jake Bonavia that handed Malta a deserved win and an historic fifth placing in the competition.
MALTA: J. Tanti, L. Galea 3, A. Galea, M. Castillo, S. Gialanze, B. Cachia, S. Camilleri 2, J. Cutajar 5, J. Abela 1, N. Zammit 2, D. Zammit, M. Azzopardi, B. Busuttil, J. Bonavia 2.
SLOVAKIA: T. Hoferica, D. Klescinsky, M. Klescinsky 1, D. Baco, T. Baco, T. Tkac, T. Bielik 5, A> Furman 4, M. Mihal, P. Tisaj, S. Balaz 4, F. Balogh, M. Mikloda.
Referees: A. Goncharenko (Ukraine), E. Silva (Portugal).
