Malta Crushes Romania 18-9 for Historic First Win at U20 European Championships
The Malta U20 Women’s National Water Polo Team secured a resounding 18-9 victory against Romania in the positional play-offs at the European Aquatics U20 Championships in Oeiras, Portugal. The win marks a milestone as the team’s first-ever triumph of the tournament, serving as a massive moral booster following tough group-stage matches against powerhouses Russia and Germany. [1, 2]
Dominant Start Sets the Tone
The Maltese side took complete control of the match from the opening whistle. Driven by aggressive offensive tactics and ironclad defensive discipline, Malta stormed into a commanding 5-1 lead by the end of the first quarter. Kaylen Cutajar spearheaded the initial attack by netting a brilliant hat-trick, with further first-session goals added by Chloe Amato and Eyla Schembri. [1]
Malta refused to take their foot off the gas in the second quarter. Firing home another five goals, they extended their lead to an overwhelming 10-2 by halftime. The second-period surge featured braces from Nadya Azzopardi and Ella Miceli, alongside a precise strike from Zaira Bartolo. [1, 2]
Thwarting a Fightback
Romania attempted to mount a comeback during the third session, dialing up their offensive pressure. However, Malta managed the game effectively to keep their opponents at bay. Essential goals from Marie Rose Tully and Ella Miceli kept the scoreboard ticking. [1]
The highlight of the quarter came from Malta’s 12-year-old goalkeeper, Miia Clarke Spiteri, who stunned the arena by scoring a sensational goal with just one second remaining on the clock, ensuring Malta entered the final frame ahead 13-6. [1]
Sealing the Rout
The final period turned into a complete victory parade for the Maltese squad. Head coach and tactical staff watched as their side seamlessly closed out the game with an additional five goals. Contributions from Tully, Holly Camilleri, Azzopardi, Jorjii Stellini, and Amato finalized the emphatic 18-9 scoreline. [1]
| Quarter | Malta | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 5 | 1 |
| Q2 | 5 | 1 |
| Q3 | 3 | 4 |
| Q4 | 5 | 3 |
| Total | 18 | 9 |
Scorers Breakdown
- 3 Goals: Nadya Azzopardi, Ella Miceli, Kaylen Cutajar
- 2 Goals: Chloe Amato, Marie Rose Tully
- 1 Goal: Eyla Schembri, Zaira Bartolo, Miia Clarke Spiteri, Jorjii Stellini, Holly Camilleri [1]
This dominant display highlights the incredible potential and rapid growth of women’s youth water polo under the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA)
Share this content:
