As exhibited by the score, the first three periods were deadlocked, as both teams struggled to gain a significant advantage. The fourth quarter was the undeniable turning point. Germany looked poised for victory until well into the period after Kreuzmann pocketed one to make it 6-5 two minutes in. But, with less than four minutes remaining, Guillermo Molino (ESP) tied it up (6-6) before Garcia (ESP) scored twice more to save the game for the Spaniards.

Despite the loss, local hero Kreuzmann (GER) of ASC Duisburg said he considers the match a special one. As a Duisburger, it was significant for him to be part of the international match premiere in the city’s new swimming stadium. He also reflected positively on the national squad: “I am pleased with the fact that there is a radical change this year; the integration of new, young players on the national team has gone so well and it is once again a lot of fun to be involved in the circles of the team.”

This showdown marked the beginning of the fourth round of World League play in Europe. Games on April 14: (RUS vs. CRO) in Moscow, April 15: (ROU vs. ITA) in Oradea, and April 29 (FRA vs. SRB) in Aix-en-Provence will follow.

Xavier Garcia (ESP)

Germany: Tim-Ole Fischer, Roger Kong, Florian Naroska, Marko Savic, Marko Stamm, Marc Politze, Tobias Preuss, Moritz Oeler, Andreas Schlotterbeck, Tobias Kruezmann, Julian Real, Paul Schüler, Heiko Nossek
Trainer: Hagen Stamm
Spain: Inaki Aguilar, Daniel Lopez, David Martin, Marc Minguell, Blai Mallarach, Guillermo Molinar, Felipe Perrone, Ivan Gallego, Ricardo Perrone, Albert Espanol, Adria Sanz, Ivan Perez, Xavier Garcia
Trainer: Rafael Aguilar

Preliminary play continues in Europe until mid-May. Four teams from Europe will advance to the Super Final, which will be held in Podgorica (MNE) from June 16-21. The host team of Montenegro automatically advances.