Malta-Netherlands 9-19

(2-5), (2-5), (2-4), (3-5)

The Netherlands, like the rest of the european finalists, proved to be too strong for Malta, and the locals had to accept a final 16th place for the second consecutive edition.

This verdict was no surprise as from the outset our only real chance was against Turkey. Missing rather badly against the Turks meant that there was little room for Karl Izzo's boys to improve on the 16th place.

It is still a remarkeable achievment to reach these stages for three editions in a row, but the fact is that there is a huge gap between the top nations, many of which are also the best in the world, and the rest.

In yesterday's final for 15th place, the Dutch immediately made their intentions clear scoring four goals in succession to keep on piling on that lead.

The score was 4-10 by the half way stage and it was obvious that there was no hope of a recovery. Van Ijperen wasa the best scorer of the match with six goals followd by Stevie Camilleri with five.

The other Malta goals were scored by Matthew Zammit and Ben Plumpton who shared four goals between them.

Malta: N. Grixti, J. Gabarretta, A. Galea, G. Pace, Da. Zammit, M. Zammit (2), S. Camilleri (5), J. Camilleri, J. Abela, A. Cousin, B. Plumpton (2), Di. Zammit, A. Borg Cole

Netherlands: E. Wagenaar, K. Veenhuis, J. Winkelhorst, S. van der Burg (1), G. van Ijperen (6), R. Lindhout (3), L. Gottemaker (2), J. Nispeling (2), H. Muller, P. Janssen, J. Koopman (4), T. Lucas (1), T. Huijsmans

Referees: Robert Tiozzo (Kroazja), Levan Berishvili (Georgia)