Christian Biermann’s goals helped ensure success during a thrilling weekend in Warnemunde.
Ibbenburener BSC were crowned champions of Germany in Warnemunde on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Beach Royals Dusseldorf.
Throngs of beach soccer supporters – many hoping home favourites Rostocker Robben would reclaim their title – headed to the sands in Rostock to see the country’s six best sides battle it out for the trophy.
Former champions BSC Chemnitz and Rostocker were forced to settle for third and fourth place respectively, as the former were beaten 3-2 by Dusseldorf in the first semi-final – Georgi Lovchev, Pascal Muller and Peer Petr on target for Royals.
The other semi proved an even more captivating affair however as Ibbenburener saw off Rostocker 12-10 with the help of five goals from Germany international Christian Biermann.
A weekend of thrills and spills continued into the final on Sunday as heavy rain and storms caused a 20-minute interruption in play, with players and officials forced to temporarily leave the pitch, having initially tried to continue.
A brace from Biermann either side of a goal from Valon Beqirri wrapped up first place for Ibbenburener, with their eight-goal hero Biermann remarking: “It’s just great. We have earned the trophy and deserve to be German champions.”
Chemnitz secured third with a 3-2 win against Rostocker Robben while Hertha BSC – only formed in March – beat Hohensee United 5-3 to wrap up fifth spot.
Reflecting, Klaus Jahn, chairman of the DFB-Committee for Leisure and Popular Sport, said: “Ibbenburen are fully deserved winners and we have had here in Warnemunde a super atmosphere. This has been a great event, made possible by the support of the national association of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.”
Harry Glawe, Minister of Economic Affairs of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, added: “With Warnemunde as the location, the DFB has made the right choice. We have seen a tournament which has been marked by fantastic goals and great times. I am glad the German Championship took place here.”
Standings
1 – Ibbenburener BSC
2 – Beach Royals Dusseldorf
3 – BST Chemnitz
4 – Rostocker Robben
5 – Hertha BSC
6 – Hohensee United
