The Malta national water polo team secured a hard-fought 13–12 victory over the Brazil national water polo team at the World Cup Division II, booking a play-off clash for ninth place against Canada national water polo team on Monday afternoon.

It was another determined display from Malta, coached by Milan Cirovic, as they followed up their win over Argentina with a second consecutive victory, once again showing resilience under pressure.

Ivan Nagaev led the scoring with five goals, while Jake Cachia, Elijah Schembri and Julian Valletta each added two.

Malta made a bright start, with Nagaev opening the scoring, but Brazil responded quickly with two goals to take the lead before Schembri levelled matters at 2–2.

The second session saw both sides exchange goals in a closely contested spell, with Schembri, Nagaev and Jerome Vella Gregory finding the net for Malta. However, Brazil managed to edge ahead, opening up a 6–4 advantage before Valletta reduced the deficit to one before halftime.

Malta turned the game around in the third session with a strong attacking display, scoring five times through Nagaev, Cachia, Valletta, Schembri and Jeremy Abela to move into a narrow 10–9 lead heading into the final period.

Brazil pushed hard for a comeback in the closing stages, but Malta held their nerve. Two more goals from Nagaev kept them in front, and a crucial strike from Cachia with under two minutes remaining proved decisive.

Malta managed the final moments well to secure the win and now look ahead to their play-off encounter against Canada as they aim to finish ninth in the competition.