The Maltese national beach soccer team concluded their campaign in Division B of the Euro Beach Soccer League today with a narrow 5-4 defeat to Kazakhstan.
Malta made a strong start in the opening period, taking the lead through Karl Caruana. The advantage was extended early in the second period when Nezar found the net to make it 2-0. Kazakhstan responded with a goal from Kurbanov, but Malta regained control as Caruana and Nezar each scored again, giving Malta a 4-1 lead. Minbayev, however, reduced the deficit to 4-2 before the period ended.
In the final session, Kazakhstan mounted a successful comeback with goals from Demeshko, Dering, and Kaizer, securing a 5-4 victory and finishing top of the group with 8 points.
Both Malta and Romania ended the group stage with 3 points each. Romania earned their points from a 6-2 win over Malta, while the Maltese side celebrated a historic 3-2 victory against Norway earlier in the competition, a standout moment in their campaign.
Malta placed third in their group and will now turn their focus to an upcoming tournament in Viareggio, Italy.
