Malta…….15
Israel…….14
(5-5), (4-2) (3-4), (3-3)
European Aquatics European Championships 2026, Belgrade Serbia
The Malta National Water polo team has finally managed to win its first win in Belgrade at the 2026 European Aquatics European Championships thanks to a collective effort against a very tough Israeli opponent.
A dramatic 15-14 win which gives the much needed morale ahead of tomorrow’s second playoff match against Slovakia to determine the final placing of the Maltese team in its 6th consecutive European Championship.
The two sides had met twice two years ago, in the group stage, when Malta won 13-11, then again, for the 15th place, when Malta won again, though only in a shootout. The thrilling match ended in a 12-12 tie but the Maltese were the better with the penalties (5-4).
The first goal for Malta was scored courtesy of Jayden Cutajar when he levelled the score after Israel had taken the lead. Stevie Camilleri scored the second goal for Malta after Israel earlier went two goals up for 2-3. This was Camilleri’s 50th goal in his all time appearances at the European Championships. After that it was Benji Cachia who scored for Malta and made the score 3-3. Nikolai Zammit put Malta 4-3 ahead from a counter attack to score his 3rd goal in the Championship. Stevie Camilleri hit the 5-5 score line from the penalty mark after Matthew Zammit was fouled inside the 2 meters.
The second session was the start of the Ivan Nagaev show as the Russian- born left hander scored no less that three consecutive goals for the partial 6-6, 7-6 and 8-6 for Malta. Stevie Camilleri scored again for a 9-6 score line at the end of the first half.
In the third session Stevie Camilleri showed his coolness to transform a penalty for the Maltese team to make the score 10-7 after Matthew Zammit worked hard to get the foul. Ivan Nagaev made them 11-8 with a superb lob. At this stage Malta had 2 players on 2 personal fouls; Darren Zammit and Liam Galea. Ivan Nagaev surprised everyone with another sterling goal from outside the 7 meter mark for a 12-10 score line. This third session ended 12-11 with Malta always in front.
The 4th session resulted in a bite nailing 8 minutes. Stevie Camilleri made them 13-12 but then Israel managed to level the score for 13-13 after they transformed a penalty. Our opponents went a goal up 13-14 thanks to a goal by one of their veteran players Gross. Ivan Nagaev which was granted Maltese citizenship less than 2 months ago scored his personal most important goal for Malta to level again the match at 14-14. There was still time for seasoned player Nikolai Zammit to score the winning goal for Malta from a fast counter attack to make the final score Malta 15 – Israel 14.
Malta now faces Slovakia on Saturday at 12:45pm.
