Action from yesterday’s futsal match between Malta and Latvia at the Corradino Sports Pavilion. Photo: Christine Borg

The Maltese national team suffered a heavy defeat in their final Euro 2016 preliminary round Group E match yesterday when they were beaten by Latvia 8-0 at the Corradino Pavilion.

Thanks to their comfortable win, Latvia have now qualified to the next stage of the competition at the expense of England on a better goal difference.

Latvia needed a win with at least a three-goal margin to make it into the main round after goals from George Nash, Ian Parkes and Luke Ballinger had given England a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Andorra in the previous match in programme, yesterday.

The eastern Europeans made their intentions clear right from the start and opened a four-goal lead inside the first few minutes following goals from Maksims Sens, Andrejs Aleksejevs, Igors Dacko and Igors Avanesovs.

Despite some steady goalkeeping by Nicolas Farrugia, including an effort from the spot by Sens, the Maltese could not contain Latvia who scored two more goals by Arturs Jerofejevs.

After the interval, Latvia took their feet off the pedal but still added two goals by Andrejs An-drejs Sustrovs and Aleksejevs.

Latvia took the top position after scoring 13 goals and conceding four following two wins and a draw.

In their three matches, England were eight times on the mark and let in four goals.

Andorra finished third in the final standings thanks to their win over Malta on Thursday.

Mark Marlow’s side finished bottom of the final classification with no points to show and no goals in favour.

The national team conceded 15 goals in three matches.