It was a nerve-wracking battle between Germany and Austria in the semi-finals. Austria, who had lost just one set in seven matches in the preliminary round, went into the match against Germany as the favorites, as the defending champions had fallen short of expectations so far. However, the German team got off to the better start in the semi-final, taking a 2:0 lead. Austria managed to equalize the score at 2:2 in the meantime, but in a nerve-wracking deciding set, Germany celebrated victory and a place in the final (11:7, 11:0, 3:11, 8:11, 12:14). Brazil won the second semi-final against Switzerland. The sets were all hard-fought, but the South Americans took the points in the decisive phase (11:8, 11:9, 11:9).
The first placement matches went the full distance on Saturday evening. In the match for 7th place, hosts Chile beat Denmark 3:2 (12:10, 9:11, 11:6, 7:11, 11:9). Namibia turned a 1-2 deficit in the match for fifth place into a 3-2 (11-6, 14-15, 7-11, 14-12, 11-9) victory and ended a strong World Championship with a win. Austria and Switzerland will play the bronze medal match on Sunday (10.30 a.m. local time). Brazil and Germany will meet in the final at 13:30.
The two national teams from Austria and Germany put in commanding performances in their semi-finals. Austria defeated Brazil 3:0 (11:8, 11:6, 11:6), who had previously beaten hosts Chile in the quarter-finals (11:5, 6:11, 11:8, 11:7). Switzerland had also won their quarter-final (11:9, 7:11, 11:3, 11:4 against Argentina). However, the semi-final was a clear affair for Germany, who won in three sets (11:4, 11:8, 11:7).
This means that the 2021 World Cup final between Austria and Germany will be replayed on Sunday at 3 p.m. (local time). Brazil and Switzerland will play the bronze medal match (12 noon). Fifth place is already taken. This was secured by Chile – with a clear 3:0 (11:4, 11:5, 11:7) victory over Argentina.