MALTA 21
SINGAPORE 7
(3-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1)
MALTA
B. Busuttil, L. Galea 1, A. Galea 2, M. Castillo 1, S. Gialanzè 2 , B. Cachia 1, S. Camilleri 4, J. Cutajar 3 , J.Abela 1, N. Zammit 3, D. Zammit 1, M. Azzopardi 1, B. Busuttil, J. Bonavia 1.
SINGAPORE
D. Lee, Z. Loh, W. Fong 1, D. Loh 3, D. Yap, W. Goh, D. Yap, W. Goh, D. Chan, S. Rajandra, Y. Tang 2, T. See 1, S. Lok, N. Ting, Y. Chow.
Malta were too good for Singapore in the opening match of the Group C of the World Cup Division Two qualifiers, currently being held in Istanbul.
Their 21-7 victory was a bright omen after their encouraging inroads the Maltese lads have made in the SportMalta Christmas Cup last weekend which served as preparation for these qualifiers.
Having reduced their opponents to sparring partners from the second session onwards, Malta coach Milan Cirovic opted for massive substitutions to the point that all Maltese players bar the goalkeepers managed to put their names on the scoresheet.
The Maltese contingent were enhanced by the return of overseas players Jake Tanti in goal and prolific goal scorer Jayden Cutajar.
The Maltese team were spearheaded again by Steve Camilleri, who added four more goals to the 11 he had netted in the Christmas Cup since he came out of international retirement.
The Maltese displayed aggressive waterpolo, with a good sense of anticipation when effecting several steals and improved physical condition thanks to their preparation during the Christmas Cup.
Singapore were fragile in defence, repeatedly resorting to fouls and conceding a number of penalties.
The outcome reflected the no contest element, with Malta constantly regaining possession within a few seconds to find the opposing net with regularity.
Malta will face Germany tomorrow at 11am in the second qualifier.
This will be the real acid test for the national team.
The Maltese national team showed signs of improvement in the opening match of their 2024 European Championships but were undone by their opponents in the third session as Germany went to win with something to spare.
Although Malta lost all three of its previous matches against Germany, the team showed signs of improvement throughout these months, denoting that it is ready to close the gap with its illustrious opponents.
