The Malta waterpolo national team started its commitments in the FINA World Cup Division B with a 9-5 defeat against favourites Germany on Friday.

The Germans raced into a three-goal lead midway through the second session, as the Maltese struggled to create any danger to their opponents’ goal.

But the Maltese finally managed to scored their first goals late in the second session, Jake Muscat and Jayden Cutajar taking Malta to 2-5 score midway through.

Goalkeeper Jake Tanti distinguished himself with two penalty saves as the Maltese side stayed close to the Germans.

The Germans remained in control in final session as goals from Alec Fenech, Sam Gialanze and Liam Galea put Malta 7-5 behind.

The Germans added two more goals to seal the win at 9-5.