MADRID, 31 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish men’s water polo team defeated the Netherlands on Wednesday by the minimum (10-11) in the second day of the European Championship, which is being played in Croatia, and is consolidated as first in the group with full victories.
The team led by David Martín suffered until the final whistle to continue on the path of victory and stand alone as leaders of group C. The clear favorites did not give their arm to twist and took three crucial points against a team that put in serious difficulties to the Spaniards.
The equality between both sets was evident in the water during the first set. A 3-3 that left all scenarios open before the break, but the defensive rearmament and the effectiveness of Álvaro Granados, Alejandro Bustos and Marc Larumbe made the difference to reach the second half with a clear advantage (3-7).
However, the Netherlands lived up to the world champions and showed their potential, which presupposes them as one of the leading teams due to their aquatic tradition. Thus, they reduced the distance in a favorable third quarter for the Dutch (4-2), and with everything to decide in the final eight minutes.
David Martín’s men defended the score (7-9) in the last set, resisting the harassment of the ‘oranje’ after increasing the intensity and cutting the gap to one. Again, captain Felipe Perrone came out on top of his team, along with Alejandro Bustos, and his two goals kept the lead to seal the second victory (10-11) in the European Championship.
Now, the team will try to finish its start next Friday against Germany, the last game of the group stage in which they hope to certify their direct pass to the European quarterfinals.