Recap Day 3 World Championship – Favorites advance to Quarterfinals

Germany and Austria win and advance as group winners directly to the quarterfinals of the 16th  Fistball Men’s World Championship. They are followed by second-placed Brazil and Switzerland, who defeated Argentina and Namibia. In front of almost 3,000 spectators at the Rhein-Neckar Stadium, Denmark staged a comeback from a 0-2 set deficit, Belgium celebrated its first victory, and Japan engaged in a dramatic duel – with the better end for the Oceanians.

Germany – Italy 3:0 (11:4, 11:2, 11:5)

Fueled by 2,700 children on Schools Day, Germany celebrated its third consecutive victory, this time against Italy, maintaining a flawless record as Group A’s leader. The standout players were Patrick Thomas with powerful and well-placed smashes and Nick Trinemeier with diagonal shots that often left Italy stranded. Coach Olaf Neuenfeld used the opportunity against the outmatched Italians to give the entire squad the necessary competition experience and playing time.

Austria Tops Group After Obligatory Victory Against Chile
Austria – Chile 3:0 (11:9, 11:4, 13:11)

The match against the supposedly easiest group opponent, Chile, allowed Austria to try out new attacking strategies. Main attacker Karl Müllehner could rest, while Martin Pühringer, Gustav Gürtler, and Jean Andrioli were given more playing time. After a cautious start, Austria found its stride, and Chile’s attacking formation, consisting of Alvaro Mödinger, Andres Gruss, and later Eduardo Mödinger, struggled to find a way to consistently challenge the Austrian defense.

New Zealand Leaves No Chance for Czech Republic
Czech Republic – New Zealand 0:3 (3:11, 8:11, 5:11)

New Zealand not only dominated the duel with the Czech Republic but also finished first in Group C thanks to the victory. The “Kiwis,” led by attackers Bill Roser and Josh Cameron, displayed a nearly perfect first set. The Czech team, with captain Tomas Batka, showed some improvement when setter Ctirad Grüner was brought in. However, nearly all of Czech Republic’s points in the third set came from short serves.

Denmark Stages a Comeback in a Seemingly Lost Game
USA – Denmark 2:3 (11:9, 12:10, 9:11, 10:12, 3:11)

The duel between the USA and Denmark was not for the faint-hearted. The Americans were already leading 2-0 and had two match points, but the smiling winners in the end were the Danes, who won Group D. The match was evenly contested for four sets, but both sides made many unforced errors. In the fifth set, the USA lost their momentum, and Denmark managed to turn the game around.

Switzerland Wins Rainy Match Against Namibia
Switzerland – Namibia 3:0 (11:3, 11:1, 11:6)

In the first rainy match of this World Championship, Switzerland left Namibia with no chance. Due to the weather conditions, Switzerland’s technical superiority was evident. As the second-placed team in Group A, Switzerland will play against Argentina or Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, while Namibia will face Denmark.

Brazil’s Defense Slows Down Argentina
Brazil – Argentina 3:0 (11:8, 11:4, 11:6)

Brazil won the South American clash against Argentina and thus follows Austria directly to the quarterfinals as the group’s second-place team. Brazil’s defense was hard to crack despite the sometimes adverse weather conditions. Additionally, their offense impressed with powerful and precise shots that were difficult to defend. Argentina, as the group’s third-placed team, will face Australia on Tuesday.

Belgium Surprises with a Decisive Victory
Serbia – Belgium 0:3 (7:11, 9:11, 11:13)

Belgium ended the preliminary round with a surprising third-place victory against Serbia. The hard-fought match was characterized by long rallies and evenly contested points – with the better end for the Belgians, who converted their third match point. Their next opponent in the President’s Cup on Tuesday will be determined during the morning session. Serbia will face the loser of the match between Chile and New Zealand.

Australia Wins an Intense Fistball Thriller
Australia – Japan 3:1 (11:13, 11:7, 11:9, 11:6)

Underdogs and crowd favorites Japan started surprisingly strong, winning the first set 13:11, which marked their first set victory in the tournament. Attacker Taijo Suzuki went beyond his usual performance level, contributing to a highly dramatic game throughout. Japan fought bravely until the end but couldn’t match the physical superiority of the Australians, who secured the victory.

All games are livstreamed on fistball.tv.

Recap Day 2 World Championship – Argentina wins thrilling five-set match, while Germany and Austria are on track for group victory

Title defenders Germany maintained their flawless record on the second day of the 16th IFA Men’s Fistball World Championship and impressively demonstrated their strength with a 3-0 victory against Switzerland, in front of 2.500 spectators at the Rhein-Neckar Stadium. Austria showed improvement and secured an important win in the top match against Brazil.

Germany – Switzerland 3-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-3)

A fantastic atmosphere at the Rhein-Neckar Stadium as the German team thrilled the spectators in their second group stage match. Switzerland managed to keep pace with Germany towards the end of the first set, coming back from a 5-8 deficit to level at 9-9. However, the German strickers, Patrick Thomas and Johannes Jungclaussen, stepped up to win the set. Germany continued their dominant performance, quickly taking a 5-0 lead in the following sets. Switzerland, who were strong opponents in last year’s World Games final, stood no chance. Coach Olaf Neuenfeld made substitutions in the defense during the game, but the quality did not diminish with the inclusion of Oliver Kraut, Tim Albrecht, and Jakob Kilpper.

Denmark defends Belgium’s offense
Denmark – Belgium 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-7)

Denmark secured second place in Group D after their second group stage victory, this time against Belgium. The Danes delivered convincing performances, especially in the first and third sets. In the second set, Belgium, leading 6-4 at one point, came close to winning a set. The game remained even until 10-10, but in the crucial moments, Denmark managed to step up their game.

USA leads Group D
USA – Serbia 3-0 (11-7, 12-10, 11-6)

The Americans lead Group D after two dominant victories and will face Denmark on Monday to decide the group winner. Serbia displayed some spectacular moves and great defensive actions, making the second set challenging for the USA, as they were briefly trailing behind at 10-9. However, the USA showcased their class and won both the set and the match.

Thrilling five-set match in the South American clash
Chile – Argentina 2-3 (13-11, 6-11, 4-11, 12-10, 7-11)

The thrilling game of the World Championship at the Rhein-Neckar Stadium between Chile and Argentina was not for the faint-hearted. In front of 2500 spectators, Chile took the lead but fell behind in the following sets. At 10-5 for Argentina in the fourth set, it seemed the match was decided, but Chile fought back, resulting in an incredible turnaround. Both teams engaged in a defensive battle with long rallies. Chile fought off five match points and scored an impressive seven consecutive points to win the set. However, in the decisive fifth set, Argentina sealed their first group stage victory.

Austria outshines Brazil
Austria – Brazil 3-1 (7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10)

In the crucial match for the group victory, the cards were clearly stacked in favor of Brazil. Only the winner is likely to avoid tournament favorite and reigning world champion Germany in the semifinals. The South Americans had the better start, and Austria made mistakes, appearing nervous. Consequently, Austria lost the first set. However, the Austrians turned the game around when they trailed 6-8 and won the second set 11-9. Brazil seemed paralyzed afterwards, unable to find their flow. Austria won the third set and started the fourth set with an 8-6 lead. Despite Brazilian mistakes, and thanks to the impressive performance of striker Karl Mühllehner, Austria secured the vital 3-1 victory.

New Zealand remains undefeated
New Zealand – Japan 3-0 (11-7, 11-5, 11-9)

With their second win, New Zealand secured the top spot in Group C. Japan, known for their acrobatic plays, showed improvement compared to the opening match and came close to winning the third set. Despite not yet having won a match, they have already become crowd favorites.

Australia struggles to victory against Czech Republic
Czech Republic – Australia 2-3 (11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 5-11)

In an evenly-matched and exciting duel, Czech Republic’s two-set lead was not enough for a second group stage victory. Australia fought back to equalize and dominated the decisive fifth set.

Determined Italy defeats tenacious Namibia
Italy – Namibia 3-0 (15-13, 11-9, 13-11)

In a tight and thrilling floodlit match, Italy emerged victorious against the African team. The “Azzuris,” led by veteran Armin Runer, won two of the three sets in overtime. Namibia put up a passionate fight but could not reward themselves with a set win.

All games are livstreamed on fistball.tv.

Recap Wold Championship Day 1 – Many favorites secure victories on the opening day

Germany defeats Namibia
Titleholder Germany started the 16th IFA Fistball Men’s World Championship with a clear victory on the first day of the tournament. And in the other seven preliminary round matches, the favorites prevailed in front of 2,200 spectators at the Mannheim Rhein-Neckar Stadium.
Germany – Namibia 3:0 (11:2, 11:5, 11:4)

Olaf Neuenfeld had announced his intention to give playing time to the entire 10-player squad against Namibia, and he succeeded in doing so. The reigning champions had a perfect start to the World Championship on their home turf, and they also gave Jonas Schröter the appropriate gift for his 27th birthday. The starting five, with Patrick Thomas and Nick Trinemeier as strikers, overwhelmed the men from Southern Africa in the opening set with a score of 11:2. Germany only conceded nine points in the following two sets. Despite the defeat, the large crowd of fans from Namibia was impressive, creating a lively atmosphere in the stands. The fans rejoiced at every point against the overwhelming favorites and celebrated loudly.

Czech Republic wins the first match of the championship
Czech Republic – Japan 3:0 (11:3, 11:9, 11:6)

The opening match of this World Championship was filled with great excitement as the Czech Republic convincingly won 3:0 (11:3, 11:9, 11:6) against Japan. The Czech team, led by coach Jan Mazal, showed a convincing performance from the beginning and only faced some difficulties in the second set.

New Zealand’s victory with the “Haka”
New Zealand – Australia 3:0 (11:6, 11:5, 11:6)

The Oceania clash between New Zealand and Australia had a similar one-sided outcome, with the “Kiwis” claiming a 3:0 victory (11:6, 11:5, 11:6). They hyped themselves up before the match with their traditional “Haka” performance, which generated immense enthusiasm in the stadium.

Italy takes a set from Switzerland
Switzerland – Italy 3:1 (11:3, 9:11, 11:7, 11:6)

Switzerland fulfilled their duty and won 3:1 against a strong Italian team. After an almost perfect first set, an exciting second set unfolded. Italy, led by their attacker Armin Runer, who scored points with clever shots, secured a well-deserved set victory. Swiss coach Oli Lang made two substitutions, bringing in Tim Egolf and Leon Heitz, and despite losing the second set, they secured a ultimately comfortable victory.

USA impress against Belgium
USA – Belgium 3:0 (11:3, 11:4, 11:4)

With their clear 3:0 victory against the surprise team Belgium, the US boys took an important step towards winning their group. The Americans were never in real trouble against Belgium, who qualified for the World Championship at the last minute due to India’s withdrawal.

Denmark’s attack power secures victory
Denmark – Serbia 3:1 (11:4, 9:11, 11:3, 11:1)

Denmark dominated almost the entire game, with Serbia only managing to keep up in the second set, earning them at least one set victory. In the subsequent sets, Denmark’s strong attacking game proved to be the decisive factor for the victory.

Austria with a strong tournament start
Austria – Argentina 3:0 (11:3, 11:5, 11:9)

Austria arrived with ambitions for the title and confirmed them with a strong performance in their opening match against Argentina. In the 3:0 victory against the South Americans, the 2007 World Champions had some difficulties in the third set, with Argentina holding on until 8:8. However, Team Austria sealed the victory with the second match ball.

Brazil’s powerful attackers celebrate a confident victory
Brazil – Chile 3:0 (11:2, 11:7, 11:8)

In the first floodlit match of this World Championship, Brazil achieved the expected success against determined Chileans, who fought with all their might. However, they ultimately lacked the skills to match the powerful and attacking Brazilian team. From the beginning, Brazil showcased their top form and were on par with the strong title contenders from Germany and Austria.

All World Championship games can be watched on the live on fistball.tv.
For more information and full results, visit www.fistballmwc.com

Photo: Austrian striker, Jean Andrioli
Photocredit: Petra Den Dulk

More Photos and Videos for further use are available on http://media.faustballwm.de
More information: www.fistballmwc.com

INTERACT+ partner meeting and Theory of Action Building Seminar

On July 11th, the 3rd INTERACT+ partner meeting took place online. The partner meeting was necessary to discuss the already achieved deliverables, the general progress and development of the project, and future steps to achieve the project. One highlight of the partner meeting was the presentation of the first successful training of the trainer workshop, which took part throughout June. The Train the Trainers Workshop held under the INTERACT+ project provided a vital platform for building the capacity of trainers representing a wide range of International Sport Organisations. The workshop aimed to equip these trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver capacity-building workshops as part of the project’s next phase, extending until 2025. In total, 15 trainers from 8 different International or National Sport Organisations participated in the training.

The INTERACT+ partner meeting was followed by the second Theory of Action Building Seminar Led by the University of Limerick. Next to the INTERACT+ partner organisations, the Theory of Action Building Seminar was joined by participants of the INTERACT+ Advisory Board. The Advisory Board comprises 16 International Sport Organisations that support and guide the project partners in developing and implementing the project. Based on the learnings from a literature review and recommendations produced by the former INTERACT project, this mapping aims to produce an evidence-based theory of action for International Sport Organisations and National Federations to promote Sport for All.

 

Showtime at the Leondinger Open

From 14-16 July the annual Leondinger Open tournament took place. At a hot 36 degrees Celsius, numerous teams from Brazil, Austria, New Zealand and Poland played unbelievably exciting matches.

The tournament started on Friday with an exhibition in preparation for the upcoming big events. The men’s national teams from Brazil and New Zealand as well as the Austrian U21 national team used the opportunity to prepare for the World Championship in Mannheim (Germany) and the U21 European Championship in Jona (Switzerland).

On day 2 it was showtime for 12 teams in the men’s competition and 8 teams in the women’s competition. Also represented were national teams from Brazil, New Zealand, Austria (U21 women, U18 men) and Poland (women and men).
In the exciting final match of the men’s competition, Brazil Team A won against the team from Urfahr (Austria). Points for the IFA World Tour were awarded to the teams from Grieskirchen (4th place), Froschberg (5th place) and Enns (11th place) (Austria).

In the women’s tournament, the mixed team “Freistadt/New Zealand” took first place, followed by the U21 Team B (Austria). Bronze and 300 points went to the team from Wolkersdorf (Austria). Furthermore, the women from Urfahr (Austria) were able to collect points for the World Tour with their 5th place.

World Championship Winners’ trophy arrived in Mannheim

One month before the final of the Fistball World Championship, the champions trophy arrived in the host city of Mannheim and landed safely. At 3:05 p.m., the helicopter carrying the valuable trophy touched down on the tarmac of Mann-heim Airport – on board were IFA President Jörn Verleger, Vice President Steve Schmutzler and CEO Director Sönke Spille, who were ceremoniously received. They were surrounded by children who stood guard for them on the way to the terminal with the flags of the 16 participating countries.

Until the very end, it was a secret who would bring the trophy to Mannheim alongside the president of the world governing body. With Schmutzler, one of Germany’s 2019 world champions in Winterthur, Switzerland, passed the trophy on to World Champion-ship ambassador Henning Fritz, who promised to have a keep the 48-centimeter-high, 5.2-kilogram glass trophy safe and secure until the opening ceremony of the event.

This marks the start of the countdown to the World Championship, which aims to pro-vide outstanding sporting moments in Mannheim from July 22 to 29. “It’s hard to believe that the final day of the Fistball World Championship is already a month away and that preparations are thus entering the home stretch. All 16 nations have nominated their squads in the meantime – and the entire fistball world can hardly wait for the start of the title bouts here in Mannheim,” said World Championship CEO Sönke Spille. “The rising anticipation can also be felt in the region. More than 22,000 tickets are now sold for the week.”

Jörn Verleger, President of the International Fistball Association (IFA), emphasized the importance of this world championship, which will be held in Germany for the fourth time after 1972, 1982 and 2007. “Germany has a long tradition and great experience in hosting Fistball events. But this World Championship will be something very special. It is not only a milestone, but can become a door opener for the sport of Fistball.”

The group matches will be played in the Rhein-Neckar Stadium, while the fistball players will move to the SAP Arena for the finals on July 28 and 29. Jörn Verleger pointed to the novelty of natural grass being laid for the first time in the 12,000-seat multi-sport arena. “This arena is very impressive. Spectators and players will experience goosebump mo-ments.” From a sporting perspective, the World Championship tournament is also im-portant because the first tickets for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu will be award-ed.

Starting on July 22, 16 teams from five continents will compete against each other to hold the trophy in their hands – on July 29, we will know whether Germany succeeds in defending its title. Hennig Fritz, who was named world handball player in 2004, knows what it’s like to become world champion in your own country. “A home World Champi-onship is something very special,” said Fritz: “From my own experience, I know how the support of one’s own fans can inspire the athletes and spur them on to very special per-formances.”

Moreover, the former Bundesliga goalkeeper, who played for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen between 2007 and 2012, knows the SAP Arena. “If the arena is sold out, then the atmos-phere will be great. I wish the guys can soak up the feeling in front of their own fans and turn that into positive energy for them.”

Attractive supporting program

Not only on, but also off the pitch, there will be a lot on offer for fans, visitors, but also for everyone in the Rhine-Neckar region during the entire World Championship. There will be a Kids Area in the Rhine-Neckar Stadium with a wide variety of games and sports activities, such as small Fistball challenges, but also a bouncy castle, can throwing, face painting for children or autograph sessions.

“To this end, we are offering childcare in our Kids Club on the first six days. There will be daily events in the marquee, including a live band, DJ and big World Championship closing party – and no admission charge. I am particularly looking forward to Schools Day, when we will be welcoming over 2,500 schoolchildren to the stadium on Monday morning, July 24, for the match between Germany and Italy, followed by a wide range of sports activities throughout the campus,” emphasized Sönke Spille.

Tickets for all eight World Championship days are available at tickets.faustballwm.de

IFA celebrates OLYMPIC DAY

Today, the Olympic Day is celebrated all around the world: hundreds of thousands of people – young and old – get moving and participate in sporting and cultural activities, such as runs, exhibitions, music and educational seminars. Over the last two decades, the event has helped to spread the Olympic ideals to every corner of the world.

Olympic Day was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. The goal was to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.

“EVERY YEAR, OLYMPIC DAY ALLOWS THE WHOLE WORLD TO UNITE BEHIND THE OLYMPIC DREAM.”
Thomas Bach, IOC President

Move, Learn and Discover:
the three pillars of Olympic Day in Fistball

Move
let’s encourage people to get active on Olympic Day. “Move” can refer to all sports, of physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.
IFA supports the new IOC initiative ‘Let’s Move’ created with the World Health Organisation (WHO) with an invitation to make time every day for movement for better health.

Learn
Educate and learn about the role of sport in society and the “Olympic values”
In collaboration with UTS IFA runs an Olympic values driven program at the IFA 2023 Men´s World Championship in Mannheim. The focus is on engaging and empowering youth, and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle within the sporting community during the Men’s Fistball World Championships 2023.

Discover
Discover is all about people trying new sports and activities they have never done before.

Olympic values:
• Excellence – Striving for excellence
Stands for giving our best, on the field of play or in the professional arena. It is not only about winning, but also about participating, making progress towards personal goals, striving to be and to do our best in our daily lives and bene ting from the healthy combination of a strong body, mind and will.

• Respect – Demonstrating respect
This value incorporates respect for oneself, for one’s body, for others, for the rules and regulations, and for sport and the environment. Related to sport, respect stands for fair play and for the fight against doping and any unethical behavior.

• Friendship – Celebrating Friendship
This encourages us to consider sport as a tool for mutual understanding among individuals and people from around the world. Olympism inspire humanity to overcome political, economic, gender, racial and religious differences and forge friendships in spite of those differences.

TV Stammheim jumps into Top6 in World Tour Ranking

A total of 39 teams in the categories Men A and B, U14, U12 as well as U10 took part in the Corpus Christi tournament in Waibstadt on 8 June. Besides the numerous teams from all over Germany, the German national teams of the U21m and U18m also used the tournament as a training opportunity in preparation for the upcoming European Championships in Switzerland. At the end of this intense day of fistball, one team came out on top. In the high-class final match against the U21s, the team “Dennach-Allstars” won 1st place and thus defended their title as tournament winners.

The best team for the World Tour was the TV Stammheim team in 4th place. With the +250 points, they thus ranked 6th in the ranking. Likewise, TV Stammheim was the most successful section at the tournament with victories in the U10 and U12 categories.

The teams from Widnau, Wünschmichelbach and the home team from Waibstadt also scored points for the World Tour.

Huge media echo at IFA World Tour tournament in India

In India last week, fistball created a big stir and numerous reports in news broadcasts, local newspapers and reports. With 30 men’s and 20 women’s teams from over 20 clubs from all over India, the IFA World Tour tournament took place in Chennai from 29 to 31 May.

In the men’s competition, two favourites emerged after the preliminary round. (GHC&SA) and Chengalpet Spartan, both unbeaten teams, faced each other in a thrilling final. With a score of 13:11, (GHC&SA) managed to take the lead. Chengalpet Spartan countered with a 15:14. The 3rd and thus the deciding set also went into overtime. In the end, (GHC&SA) won 15-14 and took the victory.

A 3-set match was also played in the women’s category. After a clear preliminary round, the teams (GHC&SA) and Chrome Tigers Club met. After a 12:10, (GHC&SA) took the lead, just like in the men’s competition. In the second set, the ladies from Chrome Tigers Club then found their way into the game. With 11:4 and 11:8, they were able to catch up and win the final after trailing 1:0.

Great atmosphere and exciting games at the 500 tournament in Haslach

As every year on the Whitsun weekend, the Kranzling tournament in Haslach took place. 10 women’s and 20 men’s teams played exciting matches for the 500 points. In addition to Bundesliga as well as Landesliga teams, the Austrian junior national teams (2 teams U18w; 2 teams U18m; 2 U21m) also used the tournament as the conclusion of their annual Whitsun training camps.

Women’s competition:
After a very balanced preliminary round as well as exciting semi-finals, the U18 team “red” and the women of UFG Grieskirchen Pötting faced each other. After a clear first set for Grieskirchen, the U18 team fought its way back into the match. However, they had to admit defeat in the 2nd set. 500 points were added to the points account of UFG Grieskirchen. The women’s team from FBC Linz AG Urfahr also scored points. With a plus of 300 points they finish in third place, behind Sogipa – Sociedade Ginástica Porto Alegre and Sociedade Ginástica de Novo Hamburgo, in the World Tour Ranking.

Men’s competition:
The men’s competition also turned out to be a hot head-to-head race. In the final, the U21m national team 1 fought for victory against the team from Linz/Urfahr. The U21 team started very strong and won the first set clearly. The second set brought a turnaround and then went clearly to the Urfahraner. In the last and decisive set, the U21 team got back into the game and took a clear 6:3 lead. After a fightback by Urfahr and spectacular rallies by both teams, the U21 team came out on top and left the court as winners. The teams from Grieskirchen (4th place), Froschberg (8th place) and Enns (9th place) were able to secure World Tour points. Grieskirchen thus made the leap from 14th place into the Top10.