Spain continues the series: Since 2005, all hosts of Men’s World Championships had at least reached the semi-final on home ground. And Spain did the same after a real tough quarter-final clash against Germany, won by 28:23 (12:14). For the Iberians it is the fifth participation in a World Championship semi-final – and the victory was secured by outstanding line player Julen Aguinagalde, who scored seven goals. Germany showed a strong performance and was on eye level until the final stages, but then caused too many mistakes in attack. Spain will face Slovenia in the semi-final on Friday 25 January in Barcelona.  

In the first half Germany had clear advantages on the goalkeeper position, as Silvio Heinevetter saved much more shots than Arpad Sterbik (until minute 12) and Manuel Sierra. Back by this performance, the German defence improved and the attackers could start their successful counter-attacks. Like the Germans, the host’s team focused on the defence, but had a lower efficiency in scoring before the break. No team could forge ahead to a distance of more than two goals in the first half. Two minutes before the break, Spain was not only back by two goals, but also had to cope with an injury of Valero Rivera jr., who crashed with Heinevetter and had to be stitched above the eye in the dressing room, but could return in the second half.

His father, coach Valero Rivera Sen., found the right words during the break, as his team arrived on the court much more determined and aggressive in defence. Thanks to an initial 5:1 series the host turned the match around to 17:15, but the Germans still stood strong and even took the lead again at 18:19 in a real roller coaster ride with constantly changing leads. In this period also Sierra showed a top performance in a defence battle on both sides – and Alberto Entrerrios started his scoring series, and finished by six goals.

As the Spaniards had enormous problems to score from the back court positions they successfully tried to bring line player Julen Aguinagalde in position. And when he scored for the fifth time for 23:21 ten minutes before the end, the spectators in the sold-out arena Pabellon Principe Felipe went crazy, waving their flags for the home team, as German coach Martin Heuberger took his time-out. But Aguinagalde was “on fire” now, first bringing his team ahead to 24:21, their first three goals distance in this emotional duel, then adding his seventh strike on his tally for 25:21. Germany needed to score fast now, but failed against Sierra in this crucial stage of the match.

In the final stages full of adrenaline on both sides, Spain managed to run down the clock, after Jorge Maqueda had scored the decisive 26:22 – making the dream of reaching the final destination Barcelona become reality. The rest in Zaragoza was a big party of fans and players.

Statements after the match:

Valero Rivera, coach Spain: Germany caused a real difficult match for us, and they really progressed in this tournament. We could only manage to win after we changed our defence system after the Germans played an excellent first half. Thanks to this change and the saves of Sierra we managed to win this tremendously difficult match. Thanks to the fans in Zaragoza for their support.

Alberto Entrerrios, player Spain: Germany played an excellent match and an excellent tournament. I am very satisfied with the victory, which we could confirm by our defence and goalkeeper Síerra after the break. Thanks to them we could score our counter attack goals, as we in the position attack did not find the gaps in the German defence.

Martin Heuberger, coach Germany: Due to the Spanish performance after the break the victory was deserved. When they changed their defence tactics we could not put enough pressure on them and missed too many chances. But my team has matured here in Spain. Spain now has the chances to go all the way as they like no other have the biggest number of alternatives in their squad.

Martin Strobel, player Germany: In the first half we exactly did what we had to do and took the right decisions, but then we lacked the power from the back court positions against the Spanish defence. This was the final difference, but we can look back on a successful tournament.