Austria beat Chile in Kremsmünster
Come rain or come shine - and Kremsmünster had both to offer in the morning - the well-informed fans were not deterred and they came out in numbers to cheer on their favourite teams (the USA, Japan and Argentina emerged as the Austrian fans' initial favourites whereas the German team had brought their own supporters with them) as loud as they could. The fistball party has now reached the province of Upper Austria and continues to be an impressive spectacle.
USA vs. Czech Republic 3:2 (11:5, 9:11, 11:4, 9:11, 11:7)
The USA beat the Czech Republic 3:2 in unsettled weather conditions. They took the lead twice but the Czechs came back to take the match to a deciding set. This final set went to the U.S. fistballers 11:7 in an exciting game.
Japan vs. Namibia 0:3 (7:11, 2:11, 9:11)
Namibia clinched the first set 11:7 despite difficult and windy conditions. They then went on to take the second and third sets as well against their plucky opponents from Japan.
Serbia vs. Czech Republic 3:1 (11:5, 13:11, 3:11, 11:8)
It was Serbia who settled better into this match, taking the first set 11:5. The second set was much tighter and both teams had set points. Serbia finally pulled through 13:11. The Czechs got off to a better start in the third set, winning it 11:3 in a surprisingly convincing manner. The Serbs nevertheless kept their cool and the fourth set went to them 11:8.
USA vs. Italy 2:3 (11:3, 9:11, 12:10, 5:11, 11:13)
The USA won the first set convincingly but lost the second in a match that could easily have gone either way. The third set also went to the USA in a nail-biting finish while an outstanding Armin Runer found his rhythm in the fourth set and equalised for the Italians. With match points defended on both sides it was the Azzurri who finally triumphed.
Austria vs. Chile 3:0 (11:9, 11:7, 11:8)
The hosts were cheered onto the pitch and even an burst of rain was unable to dampen the spirits of the euphoric supporters. Chile put everything they could into their spirited defence but with the entire stadium behind them the Austrians stayed focused and in control, winning in straight sets. Once again the Austrians put in a convincing all-round team performance. The young players withstood the pressure of having to be successful in front of a home crowd - both in attack and defence.
What they said:
Martin Weiss: "Fantastic venue, great supporters, good game. More of the same please!"
Winfried Kronsteiner: "The conditions were extremely tough. It was still dry when we warmed up with the ball. The Chileans didn't give us an easy time. Coming from Kremsmünster myself this really is something quite special for me. There were times when I couldn't even hear myself speak!"