The German National League came to a magnificent end as Rostocker used penalties to finish the season as kings
Rostocker and Ibbenbüren have sat atop the German beach soccer world for the past few seasons and their rivalry is only growing as both aere always competing for the top spot in the league, but this exciting finale has to rank among the greatest matches that they have played. What is more exciting is that the attendance for the championship weekend was astonishing; there were over 5,000 people that stopped in Warnemünde to watch the action. The entire weekend included splendid play from all the big names in German beach soccer, including a third place battle between BST Chemnitz and Beach Royals Düsseldorf, to go along with the eventual champions Rostocker and runners-up Ibbenbüren.
The game was close throughout and the drama built with each minute as the fans were sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting for one final blow, and the excitement peaked in penalties, as the teams could not decide a winner in regular or extra time. The shoot-out, as expected, was full of surprises as well, but things started out smooth with Muthulingou and Beqiri slotting home shots for Ibbenbüren. Neumann did his part for Rostocker but a miss from Rostocker left them feeling desperate, but a re-kick was awarded and it did not miss, leaving the penalties at 2-2 after four shooters. One shot over the crossbar for Ibbenbüren was all that it took for them to fall, but the fans for both teams were enthralled with the high level of play.
Germany has shown their power in the beach soccer world and this exciting league championship is more proof of their high level, in fact, the coach of the German National Selection, Nils Böringschulte, was among the spectators. Böringschulte was there to see quality beach soccer, take a look at 12 of his 14 players, as well as have fun, excitedly saying, “Every beach soccer fan just wants to watch soccer, go to the beach, sit in the sun, listen to music, and see spectacular goals, what more could you ask for?” In addition to now sitting atop Germany’s top league, Rostocker Robben is eligible to play in the Euro Winners Cup 2016, a champions league style event that only takes the best from national leagues across Europe.