Germany 3 (Malte 25, Windfeder 35, Grambusch 45) Wales 3 (Pritchard 42, G Furlong 49, Pritchard 58) Germany on the attack, two minutes from time? Not this time, as buoyant Wales carved out, thrillingly, one of their finest results to clinch a famous 3-3 draw here in another classic. The 7,000 or so locals had come out in force to see Germany navigate a potentially tricky encounter with the Welsh in their bid to become the fourth host nation in a row to lift a EuroHockey men’s title. First night nerves in front of home support? On this evidence, the tournament is wide open after Wales, thanks to a superb third quarter performance, came back from 3-1 down to share the spoils and silence Sparkassen Park. Two second-half goals from Jack Pritchard, who admitted afterwards to wheeling away in the manner of Alan Shearer, coupled with a fine showing from the experienced stick of Ben Francis threw this pool to the last game and end a five-match, 53-year losing run to the Germans at a EuroHockey. After stout showings previously on the big stage, this was another wonderful breakthrough moment for the world No.15 side, who now face a French side outrun by the Dutch 6-0 earlier in the day. There had been a summer exodus feel in the city prior to the return of the world champions, seven months on from their Indian exploits. But the beers, wursts and clackers were flowing in equal demand to welcome out 13 of Germany’s World Cup heroes. The main stand was a cacophony of noise throughout, notable for the noise generated by Germany’s youthful ticket holders, which included a cohort from Uhlenhorst complete with megaphone. They will know about Wales now. This 12th man support had initially proved crucial whenever Germany broke forward. They didn’t contend for a thoroughly composed Welsh performance as this game developed, who weathered the early storm to twice strike back in their bid and stake their claim for a point and perhaps more. It was Timm Herzbruch who won Germany’s opening PC to settle the nerves. The resulting set piece saw a penalty stroke referral handed Wales’ way following a clear glove save on the line from Dan Kyriakides. Wales were enjoying moments of fruitful movement inside Germany’s 23m, a first PC came too, but the threat was coming from the host’s counter attacks. Bayed on by the locals, Thies Prinz was proving a handful in midfield. The best chance of the second quarter saw Toby Reynolds-Cotterill save brilliantly with his outstretched left boot. But the counter soon handed Germany’s opener when Malte Hellwig was fed a slap pass from the excellent Hannes Muller on the 23, his one touch forward allowed him the space to run on and lift past Reynolds-Cotterill. Cue music and mayhem in the stands. Niklas Wellen, one of 13 world champions here, was felled inside the 23 to hand Germany their first PC of the second-half. Lukas Windfeder angled and flicked to Reynolds-Cotterill’s left for their second. With a quite incredible performance, Wales come from two goals down, twice, to draw 3-3 with World Champions and hosts Germany. Watch every minute LIVE on (Geo-block in ???? and Latin America) Moments later, following a four-pass movement on the right, Rhodri Furlong’s flick found the pads of Jean-Paul Danneburg. He briefly put his hands to his head, sensing a key moment gone to claw back the deficit. In a bright spell and Germany down to 11, Francis’ flick across the D evaded two Welsh sticks. With Wales also down to 10, they made possession pay. Another attack saw Fred Newbold’s ball spool out to the left, Francis latched on and Pritchard finished. It was a richly deserved goal. With under 40 seconds left, though, Germany responded when Tom Grambusch slotted home their second PC of the quarter. Undeterred, Wales kept coming. Rupert Shipperley’s injection out to Gareth Furlong was peppered low in the final quarter to keep within one. Moments later, Francis slapped just wide of the post and inches from that equaliser. It did come through Pritchard with two minutes remaining as he ran into a sea of red. Yet, there was drama to follow. Wales shut out a late PC before they reviewed for a foot. Play had gone on past the hooter. Germany knew. And this sultry evening belonged to Wales.