Those of David Martín will look for the quarterfinals of the European after Hungary deprived them of the first place
MADRID, Jan. 19 (SportsFinding) –
The Spanish water polo team faces on Monday (16.00 hours / Teledeporte) the forced duel of the round of 16 against Germany after finishing second in the men's European Championship, which is being played in Budapest, looking for a quarter of which deprived him of the direct Hungary ticket.
In the race for the listed first place in Group C, David Martin's did their part by beating Turkey with solvency on Saturday (7-24), and everything remained in the hands of the Magyar team, which had to win by 20 or more goals difference to the colista Malta if he wanted to take the position of privilege.
In a meeting resolved with a surprising 26-0, Hungary did not fail and took the added prize that gives the first position: the direct pass to the quarterfinals. With this, he added a +40 difference, by the +33 of the Spaniards also in two wins and a draw, and condemned them to play the round of 16 against the German team.
“We knew it was going to be a complicated day. We were forced to try, but there was some anxiety and conceded goals that should not be, but you have to turn the page,” he said in statements to the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN) Martin after winning to Turkey and to know the result of the Hungarians, with whom they tied on the second day (11-11).
Despite having to pay the 'toll' of the eighths, the Spanish coach considered that they are “superior” to the Teutons, who have finished third in Group A with two losses and one victory. “We have to prove it, although they are dangerous matches. They will come out without pressure and we have to be very attentive, with tension and order,” he warned.
In case of triumph against Germany, a “fresh” Serbia would wait for them on Wednesday (17.30 hours) after finishing Group B leader with full victories. “But, as the 'Cholo' -Simeone- says, we have to go game by game and think only of our next opponent,” he said.
“We are very well in attack, we generate occasions, as we have seen in the first phase, but we have to tighten more in defense. We are interested in short markers and the 11 goals of the day of Hungary are not ideal for our interests,” he added.
Spain has won in 10 of the 11 occasions in which it has faced Germany, the last one in 2016 (5-10), in the pre-Olympic tournament for the Rio 2016 Games.
DATA SHEET.
–EQUIPMENT.
GERMANY: Schenkel (p), Götz (p); Reibel, Van der Bosch, Real, Schulz, Juengling, Strelezkij, Gielen, Stamm, Cuk, Restovic and Eidner.
SPAIN: López Pinedo (p), Lorrio (p); Munárriz, Granados, Sanahuja, De Toro, Larumbe, Delgado, Fernández, Tahull, Perrone, Mallarach and Bustos.
– PAVILION: Budapest Sand Dune.
– HOUR: 16.00 / Teledeporte.