Spain proved to be too strong for the Maltese junior team, yesterday. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Not unexpectedly, Malta were outclassed when facing the might of Spain in their opening Group B match of the European Junior Championships, at Tal-Qroqq, yesterday.

The final 19-2 result, in favour of the visitors, mirrored the gap in class between the two sides.

Spain were intimately faster, more skilful in their handling and had a clear physical edge, thwarting the Maltese time and again from having even a speculative shot at goal.

Spain started strongly and profiting from uncertainties by the Maltese when in possession, they built a 6-0 first-session lead, with Roger Tahull helping himself to a hat-trick.

There was no sign of a positive offensive move by the locals as the Spaniards dictated play.

The first effort on target was three minutes from the end of the second session and that came from Nicholas Bugelli who managed to reduce the deficit to a momentary 7-1 before Spain netted three more to shift ends 10-1 in the lead.

It was more of the same dose as the game continued unfolding, with Malta unable to respond to their opponents’ technique and power.

A similar 4-1 scoreline in the third quarter, with Ben Plumpton picking his spot for Malta, closed the session with Spain leading 14-2.

Into the final session and the monologue prevailed to the extent of Spain scoring six more goals with Tahull proving to be a thorn in the Maltese side as he scored six goals in his team’s comprehensive win.

Group B

Malta 2
Spain 19

(6-0, 4-1, 4-1, 5-0)

Malta: Z. Sciberras, M. Lanzon, A. Galea, M. Mifsud, M. Grech, B. Plumpton 1, N. Paris, G. Mizzi, J. Napier, M. Zammit, A. Mifsud, N. Bugelli 1, D. Spiteri.

Spain: V. Exposito, S. Cabanas 3, B. Navajas, M. Corbalan 2, X. Serra 3, G. Garcia, B. Fenoy 2, O. Dalmau, R. Tahull 6, A. Bustos 3, P. Barbena, M. Gasulla, J. Mardones.

Refs: A. Krabivin, V. Savtchenko.

Other results

France 9
Turkey 10

(3-2, 1-6, 1-0, 4-2)

Russia 28
Belarus 2

(8-0, 7-0, 6-2, 7-0)

Croatia 8
Serbia 7

(1-3, 1-2, 1-0, 5-2)

Greece 6
Romania 5

(2-1, 1-3, 0-1, 3-0)

Montenegro 17
Ukraine 3

(7-1, 2-0, 4-1, 4-1)

Georgia 9
Germany 11

(4-2, 2-2, 1-4, 2-3)

Italy 10
Hungary 9

(5-1, 1-1, 1-5, 3-2)

Playing today
9am Ukraine vs Greece; 10.15am Belarus vs Croatia; 11.30am Germany vs Italy; 12.45pm Turkey vs Spain; 3pm Romania vs Montenegro; 4.15pm Serbia vs Russia; 5.30pm Hungary vs Georgia; 18.45 Malta vs France.