U18 Fistball World Championships: Perfect Kick Off in Chile

The U18 Men's and Women's Fistball World Championships got underway in Llanquihue (Chile) with some top-class matches. The first teams were able to gain a head start in the qualifying round - and take a big step towards the semi-finals.

U18 MEN

Austria and Brazil lead the male U18 table after the first day in southern Chile. Team Austria did not even lose a set in their matches against Chile (3:0), defending champions Germany (3:0) and Switzerland (3:0). Brazil beat Namibia (3:0), Argentina (3:1) and Germany (3:1). Germany, winners of the last World Cup in 2024, are only in sixth place after two defeats and a win against Argentina (3:1). The Argentinians (3-0 against Denmark) are level on points. Switzerland (3-0 against Chile and Denmark) and Namibia (3-0 against Denmark and Chile) are currently on course for the semi-finals. Hosts Chile and Denmark – without winning a set – are still waiting for their first win.

The next matches of the Qualification Round are scheduled for Friday. This will include a showdown between Austria and Brazil at 7 p.m. local time.

U18 WOMEN

Austria celebrated three victories at the start of the World Cup – despite facing the top four teams of recent years. The 2021 finalists won their matches against Switzerland (3:1), Brazil (3:1) and Germany (3:2), putting them top of the table. Brazil and Germany both have four points. The defending champions won against Argentina (3:0) and Switzerland (3:0), while Brazil held their own against Chile (3:0) and Argentina (3:1). Chile (3-0 against Argentina) and Switzerland (3-1 against Chile) both picked up two points.

The U18 women will conclude their preliminary round on Friday. The clash between Germany and Brazil should be particularly exciting. The group winners and runners-up will qualify directly for the semi-finals, while the two other places will be determined by the teams in third to sixth place in the quarter-finals.