Malta failed to build on a bright start as they went down to a 20-8 defeat to France in the first leg of the European Championship semi-final play-off in Montpellier last night.

Facing stronger opponents in foreign territory, few had given Karl Izzo’s men a chance of returning home with a positive result.

However, the early signs were encouraging for the Maltese as they fought back from 3-0 down to level at four-all at the end of the opening session.

But, as the minutes passed, the French took command to change ends 10-5 ahead.

The French outplayed Malta in the third session as they extended their advantage to 10 goals, 17-7.

The last session was a formality with the French winning 3-1 to complete a comfortable 20-8 win that puts them on the brink of qualification for this summer’s European Championships in Budapest ahead of the return leg at the National Pool on March 1.

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