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Spain from the start began with high pressure and attacked early. Germany hat problems to cope with that and in the first quarter of an hour did seldomly advance to the Spanish circle. In the 19th minute Emmerling deflected a pass by Weissenborn directly into the Spanish goal and scored the lead, but Spain kept to their tactics and pushed on. After a series of penalty corners in the 28th minute Santiago Freixa converted one through keeper Bubolz' legs. 1:1 was the half-time result.
After the break the Spanish reduced the pressure, and Germany found its way into the match. In an even game it was youngster Moritz Fürste who in the 46th minute used a fine backhand pass from Weissenborn to regain the lead. Only 60 seconds later Alex Fabregas scored the equalizer, as German defense was unable to get the ball away. The match stayed open with good opportunities but no goals for either side, so extra time was needed.
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Despite the Golden Goal rule both teams played quite offensively, but again failing to score. The best chance was for Spain, with a penalty corner in the 73rd minute. So the second ticket for the final was to be won by penalty shooting.
And the German goalkeeper Ulrich Bubolz made the difference by saving three out of four Spanish penalty strokes. As for Germany both C. Zeller and Wess safely converted, he made fine saves on the first two Spanish attempts. Next for Germany was Fürste, who nervously failed, with Tubau converting his penalty stroke. Then P. Zeller was lucky that goalie Herrera scantly failed to stop his ball before crossing the line, so it was again up to the next Spanish player. Pol Amat was the unlucky fellow on Spain’s side as he did not fully hit the ball, keeper Bubolz easily making the save: The fans went wild as Germany was in the final! Compliments to the fantastic German supporters in the crowded Warsteiner HockeyPark as well as to the German team that never stopped fighting. Spain made a very good match, but will have to be contempt with the match for third place.
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