Germany finished the tournament of the European Qualifications of the World Cup Division 2 unbeaten.
With a new head coach, Milos Sekulic, the Germans recorded four wins in as many games at the qualifications held in Otopeni (Romania), which is a good encouragement before the Intercontinental tournament of Division 2, which will take place in Berlin (May 1 – 7).
World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Division 2, European Qualifications, Rounds 4 and 5
Besides Germany, 2nd-placed Romania qualified for the Intercontinental tournament, and 3rd-placed Malta will probably join them.
According to the initially announced qualification formula, two European teams will play at the Intercontinental tournament. But meanwhile, there were some changes. It’s almost certain that three teams from Europe (Germany as the host and two teams from the qualifications) and five non-European teams will play in Berlin. World Aquatics will probably make the final and official decision regarding this change soon.
After three rounds of the tournament in Otopeni, Germany was atop ahead of Romania, Malta, Ukraine and Great Britain,
Romania and Malta earned very important points in the 4th round.
Romania started slowly against Ukraine but recorded a convincing 15:5 victory. Malta didn’t have an easy task against Great Britain. The Brits were very motivated to surprise the Maltese. At halftime, the score was 4:4. Malta built a 2-goal lead (6:4). Malta had an 8:5 lead in the fourth quarter, but Great Britain didn’t surrender and cut the deficit to one(7:8). Still, Malta regained a 2-goal advantage and recorded a 9:7 victory.
The encounter between the hosts and Malta in the 5th round was decisive for 2nd place. Romania recorded a convincing 13:6 victory to confirm 2nd place.
Germany finished the European qualifiers with a 15:4 victory over Great Britain. The tournament in Otopeni was good preparation for the Brits before their return to the qualifications for the European Championships.
ROUND 4
Ukraine – Romania 5:15 (3:3,0:5, 1:3, 1:4)
Malta – Great Britain 9:7 (2:2, 2:2, 2:0, 3:3)
Germany bye
Day 5
Romania – Malta 13:6
Germany – Great Britain 15:4 (3:1, 4:0, 4:1, 4:1)
Ukraine bye
1.Germany 4 games – 12 points
2. Romania 4 – 9
3. Malta 4 – 6
4. Ukraine 4 – 3
5. Great Britain 4 – 0
More articles about the World Cup and the former World League
