Karl Izzo has called on his players to adopt a more aggressive approach as the national team take on Spain in a second phase ranking match at the European Championships, in Belgrade, today (start: 9.30am).

This week, Spain pipped Montenegro to the top of Group A on goal difference after brushing aside the Netherlands 15-4 in their last match.

Izzo was left disappointed with his team’s negative play during Thursday’s 22-2 defeat to Croatia at the Kombank Arena and knows fully well that his players must raise their game by several notches to become more competitive.

“Spain are another side from the top seedings,” Izzo said of the two-time world champions.

“They are efficient in all departments, have very strong swimmers with a great waterpolo technique. It will be a very difficult match and we must be sharp not to concede goals from counter-attacks.”

The national team, having lost all three matches in Group B, cannot expect to avoid another heavy defeat if they commit the same errors as happened against Croatia, the Olympic gold medallists.

“The most frustrating factor on Thursday was our approach to the match,” Izzo said.

“We were too negative. There was no aggression in our play. Against Spain we need to improve a lot in this respect but I also want to see my players eager to try and penetrate Spain’s defence by moving closer to their goal and, perhaps, finish off some of our attacking moves.”

Spain, still seeking their first European Championship title, boast some world class players.

Izzo identified newcomer Gonzalo Echinique and Guillermo Molina, who last summer helped San Ġiljan to the Maltese league title, as their most dangerous players.

“Spain have a long list of world class players,” Izzo said.

“We had an opportunity to see Guillermo Molina in action last year in Malta. He was a real leader for San Ġiljan.

“But it’s not just Molina. Gonzalo Echenique has also left a very good impression. He is a talented player and possesses a great shot.”

Meanwhile, Group B winners Serbia will continue their quest for a third successive European title with a match against Slovakia while Croatia were paired with The Netherlands in the Round of 16 stage.

Results

Group C: Georgia vs Italy 1-21; Germany vs Romania 13-14.

Standings: Italy 9; Romania 6; Germany 3; Georgia 0.

Group D: Hungary vs Turkey 20-5; Russia vs Greece 9-8.

Standings: Hungary 7; Russia 6; Greece 4; Turkey 0.

Next Pairings

Playing today: 9.30am Spain vs Malta; 5.15pm Montenegro vs France; 6.45pm Serbia vs Slovakia; 20.15 Croatia vs Netherlands.

Tomorrow: 9.30am Italy vs Turkey; 5.15pm Hungary vs Georgia; 6.45pm Romania vs Greece; 8.15pm Russia vs Germany.