In yesterday’s third inter-group play-off to determine three of the four semi-finalists, Malta were again unable to match the power and skills of superior opponents as the European Under-19 Championship qualifiers continued at Tal-Qroqq.

Slovakia were clearly the better side and the result reflects their edge. The Maltese boys could only offer some stout defending, mainly inspired by goalkeeper Niki Grixti.

Despite some occasional attempts to make inroads on opponents who had a potent trio of Maros, Marek and Patrik Tkac, scorers of ten goals between them, the hosts were mainly restricted to maximising the possession period.

Slovakia’s clear victory had long been inevitable and the hosts’ failure to capitalise on seven of their eight extra-man sets also made the defeat heavier.

In the classification sequence, Malta will now play Great Britain in today’s first match valid for fifth place.

Summary

Slovakia 15
Malta 3

(3-1, 5-0, 3-0, 4-2)

Slovakia: D. Hetlerovic, J. Dily, R. Martanovic 2, M. Hrivnak, E. Haluska, Patrik Tkac 3, Maros Tkac 6, Marek Tkac 1, J. Meclar, S. Stanga, M. Dekany 2, M. Biben 1, D. Veternik.

Malta: N. Grixti, M. Lanzon, A. Galea, S. Xerri De Caro, K. Dowling 2, K. Mock, P. Paris, M. Mifsud, B. Plumpton 1, M. Cacici, K. Galea, N. Bugelli, S. Galea Pace.

Referees: H. Smit and B. Radonjic.

Other results
Great Britain vs Ukraine 7-13; Greece vs Israel 17-3.

Playing today
5/6th place: 12.45 Great Britain vs Malta.
Semi-finals: 14.00 Ukraine vs Greece; 3.15pm Slovakia vs Romania.