France 17
Malta 7

(3-0, 7-4, 5-1, 2-2)

Malta lost their opening Group B match at the 2016 European Championships after going down 17-7 to France in Serbia yesterday.

It was always going to be difficult for Karl Izzo’s men to obtain a positive result in their first appearance in the elite championship as France are a stronger outfit.

Yet, despite the defeat, the Maltese contingent left the Kombank Arena in Belgrade with their pride intact after putting on a resilient display that saw them give their utmost to try and bridge the gap on their more-quoted opponents.

France, inspired by five-goal Ugo Crousillat, built their victory in the middle sessions as the Maltese struggled to keep abreast with their opponents who showed superior fitness and technical levels.

Steve Camilleri was Malta’s stand-out performer as the Italy-based player notched five goals with his brother Jordan and Matthew Zammit also putting their name on the scoresheet.

Malta coach Karl Izzo declared himself suitably pleased with the effort put in by his players.

“I’m happy with the boys’ performance,” Izzo told Times of Malta.

“Still, I feel that, with a little more attention, we could have gained a more respectable result as we conceded some soft goals, especially on counter-attacks when the ball was in our hands.

“We are playing in a top-class tournament and we must definitely step up our overall standards to reach this level.

“Malta being such a small country, we should be proud that we are competing against these big nations.”

Izzo reserved words of praise for Steve Camilleri, Matthew Zammit and Aurelien Cousin.

“Steve Camilleri was superb today, also providing constant support to his team-mates. Matthew Zammit was excellent as our centre while Aurelien Cousin orchestrated the defence exceptionally.

Malta’s Mark Meli (right) tries to lob the ball over France’s Manuel Laversanne during yesterday’s game in Belgrade.

“Last but not least I’m happy with our two young debutants, Ben Plumpton and Nicholas Bugelli, who did very well.”

Malta took some time to settle in the opening session as the French quickly raced into a three-goal lead.

The Maltese had their chances to open their account but failed to convert the two man-up sets that came their way.

Camilleri struck Malta’s first goal in the championships early in the second session and the Ortigia player went on to add three more goals but the French stayed in command to go in for the interval 10-4 ahead.

Malta faltered in the third session as the first signs of fatigue began to emerge with the French netting five times.

Steve Camilleri scored Malta’s only goal in the third quarter.

With the French holding a comfortable 15-5 lead, they eased the pressure and the Maltese managed to draw the last session with Jordan Camilleri and Matthew Zammit on the mark to wrap up a commendable showing.

Malta play their second match tomorrow when they face hosts Serbia who opened their campaign with a bang as they thrashed rivals Croatia 13-6.

Malta: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon, J. Gabaretta, N. Bugelli, M. Meli, M. Zammit 1, S. Camilleri 5, J. Camilleri 1, J. Brownrigg, A. Cousin, B. Plumpton, D. Zammit, N. Grixti.

Other results
Group A: Spain vs Slovakia 13-4; Montenegro vs Netherlands 13-6.
Group B: Serbia vs Croatia 13-6.