Malta ended their 2026 Euro Beach Soccer League Division B campaign on a high after producing a remarkable comeback to beat Slovakia 4-3 after extra time in Batumi, Georgia.
Slovakia made the perfect start, taking the lead after just one minute and 25 seconds. Following a corner, Lipovsky set up Smalik, whose first-time effort took a bounce off the sand and beat the Maltese goalkeeper.
The Slovaks doubled their advantage early in the second period when Husty scored with a bicycle kick. Just 90 seconds later, Lipovsky added a third goal to put Slovakia firmly in control at 3-0.
Malta responded before the end of the second period. Jeremy Cassar scored from a 15-metre free-kick before Claudio Venuto converted a penalty after Demanuele was brought down in the area, reducing the deficit to one goal.
The Maltese side continued to push forward in the final period and were rewarded with just 48 seconds remaining. Brandon Lee Bray found the net from a 10-metre free-kick to level the score at 3-3 and send the match into extra time.
With penalties looking likely, Malta completed the turnaround in dramatic fashion. Goalkeeper Brandon Muscat struck from inside his own penalty area with just 50 seconds left, firing the ball into the net to give Malta a memorable 4-3 victory.
The win allowed Malta to finish their Euro Beach Soccer League Division B campaign on a positive note after facing several tough opponents throughout the tournament.
