Malta 12
Montenegro 21

(5-6), (0-5), (4-5), (3-5)

Malta's sixth consecutive participation at the European Championship got off to a difficult start with a 21-12 defeat against Montenegro, one of the strongest nations in the competition. While few expected the Maltese side to come away with a positive result against such high-level opposition, a poor second quarter proved decisive and prevented Malta from building on a competitive opening.

Despite the loss, Malta's overall performance offered encouragement ahead of Monday's crucial match against France at 12.45pm.

Among the standout performers were veterans Stevie Camilleri and Matthew Zammit, whose experience once again proved invaluable to the national team. The match also marked the international debut of Ivan Nagaev, who recently obtained Maltese citizenship.

Montenegro took early control by racing into a 4-1 lead halfway through the opening quarter, with most of their goals coming from counter-attacks. However, Malta responded well and matched their opponents for the remainder of the period. Goals from Stevie Camilleri, Jayden Cutajar, Ivan Nagaev and Nikolai Zammit reduced the gap to just 6-5, keeping the contest open.

The turning point came in the second quarter. Montenegro were allowed too much space in central positions and took full advantage, extending their lead to 11-5. Malta also failed to convert three man-up opportunities, which further shifted the momentum in the Montenegrins' favour.

From that point on, the gap dictated the flow of the match, although Malta continued to compete with determination. The team coached by Milan Cirovic rediscovered some of the rhythm shown in the opening quarter and matched Montenegro for long spells, even if the scoreboard remained heavily in the visitors' favour. In the third quarter, Stevie Camilleri scored twice, Alex Fenech converted from six metres, and Matthew Zammit found the net on a man-up situation.

Montenegro, coached by Dejan Savic, maintained control in the final period without completely overwhelming the Maltese side. Matthew Zammit and Jake Muscat both scored from extra-man situations for Malta, while Vladan Spaic was prominent for Montenegro with two goals.

Malta: J. Tanti, I. Nagaev (1), L. Galea, B. Plumpton, B. Cachia, M. Zammit (3), S. Camilleri (4), J. Cutajar (1), J. Muscat (1), N. Zammit (1), D. Zammit, A. Fenech (1), N. Grixti, E. Schembri

Montenegro: P. Tesanovic, D. Kholod (1), J. Vujovic (2), M. Mrsic (2), A. Macic (2), D. Stupar (1), B. Vuckovic, M. Perkovic (1), V. Spaic (3), D. Matkovic (3), V. Radovic (1), D. Durovic, S. Janovic (1), S. Gojkovic (4)

Referees: Georgios Stavridis (Greece) and Eurico Silva (Portugal)