European Aquatics Championships – Belgrade 2026
MALTA…………..13
FRANCE……….. 22
(4-6) (2-5) (3-6) (2-5)
France secured a convincing 22-13 victory over Malta, recording their sixth consecutive win against the Maltese side in a match that showcased their attacking depth, clinical finishing, and control across all four quarters.
Despite Malta’s fighting spirit and moments of resistance, France gradually imposed their rhythm on the contest and built an unassailable lead through consistent scoring and strong defensive organisation.
France made a strong start against Malta, edging the opening quarter 6-4 in an entertaining and fast-paced encounter.
The French side opened the scoring through Romain Marion-Vernoux, setting the tone early before Killian Braise Fernandez doubled France’s advantage. Malta responded positively when Stevie Camilleri converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit.
France quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Alexandre Bouet slotted home a penalty, followed by a well-taken goal from Thomas Vernoux. Malta showed resilience and fighting spirit, with Nikolai Zammit and Elijah Schembri finding the net to keep the contest alive.
However, France continued to apply pressure, with Alexandre Bouet scoring his second of the quarter. Malta answered once again through Ben Plumpton, but France had the final word before the break, as Steven Vitrant struck to secure a 6-4 lead for France at the end of the first quarter.
France continued to assert their dominance in the second quarter, extending their lead with a composed and clinical performance that saw them outscore Malta 5-2.
Thomas Vernoux struck early for France, followed soon after by another goal from Romain Marion-Vernoux as the French attack found its rhythm. Malta replied through Stevie Camilleri, who once again showed composure from the penalty spot to keep his side in contention.
France maintained control of the match as Braise added another goal to their tally. Steven Vitrant then took centre stage, finding the net before scoring again shortly afterwards to complete his hat trick and further stretch the French advantage.
Malta managed a response through Galea, but France comfortably closed the quarter on top. The second period ended 5-2 in favour of France, taking the overall score to 11-6 at halftime.
France tightened their grip on the match in the third quarter, producing another commanding spell that highlighted their depth and attacking efficiency.
Romain Marion-Vernoux was once again at the heart of the action, opening the quarter by completing his hat trick before Drahe added another goal for France. Marion-Vernoux then struck again to register his fourth goal of the game, as France continued to pull away.
Malta responded through Ben Plumpton, but Alexandre Bouet quickly answered for France, scoring his third goal of the match. Matthew Zammit then found the net for Malta, offering a brief lift, only for Braise to restore France’s momentum by completing his own hat trick.
Drama followed when Stevie Camilleri saw his penalty saved, but the Maltese forward showed determination to make amends by scoring shortly afterwards. France had the final say in the quarter, with Thomas Vernoux finding the net to complete his hat trick and cap another dominant period for the French side with the score now was 17-9 for them.
The French dominance continued into the final period. Romain Marion-Vernoux opened the fourth quarter by scoring his fifth goal of the game before Ivan Nagaev replied for Malta. Thomas Vernoux then added his fourth goal to make it 19-10, and Steven Vitrant followed with his own fourth, bringing up France’s 20th goal of the match.
Lloris Canovas added another for France, while Alec Fenech responded for Malta to make it 21-11. Braise then struck again for France, completing his fourth goal of the game. Malta continued to fight until the final whistle, with Darren Zammit and Jake Bonavia both finding the net late on, but the outcome was beyond doubt.
Malta: J.Tanti, I. Nagaev , L. Galea, B. Plumpton, B. Cachia, N. Zammit , S. Camilleri (C), J. Cutajar, J. Bonavia, L. Galea, M. Zammit, D. Zammit, A. Fenech, N. Grixti, E. Schembri
France: J. Offner, K. B. Fernandez, L. Barnat, A. Bouet, A. Drahe, T. Vernoux (C), S. Vitrant, D. Guerin, R. M. Vernoux, L. Canovas, E. Nardon, JB Carpentras, H. Fontani, M. Mas, T. Sauton
Referees: Frank Ohme (Germany) and Ergon Turkken (Turkey)
