The Malta waterpolo national team beat Great Britain 9-7 on Saturday to set up a showdown with hosts Romania for the second qualifying spot at the World Cup Group B qualifiers.

The match was balanced in the opening two sessions, with Malta then opening up a two-goal lead in the third which Cirovic’s side managed to maintain till the end.

The win has taken Malta to second place in the group, level on points with Romania and these two sides will face off in a direct encounter with the winner heading to the semi-final stage of these qualifiers.  

If Malta lose Sunday’s match, Cirovic’s boys could still make it to the next stage as the governing body will decide on April 1 whether the third-placed team from this tournament will also progress.

Germany are already assured of qualification prior the start of the tournament since they will host the semi-final stage this summer.

Jake Muscat and Benji Cachia twice replied to goals scored by Britain in the first quarter.

Malta surged two goals clear with Liam Galea and Alec Fenech goals, but the Britons pulled back to make it 4-4 by the change of ends.

Goals from Ben Plumpton and Jake Muscat enabled the Maltese side to take a 6-4 lead with one session to go.

Nikolai Zammit and a Jake Muscat brace gave the Maltese a commanding 8-5 lead but Britain reduced the distance with two goals in succession.

Sam Gialanze sealed the win to hand Malta a 9-7 win.