Congratulations to the Men’s Fistball Team from Germany, IWGA Team of the Month for November 2015. The squad of Coach Olaf Neuenfeld secured the World Fistball Championship title at the World Championships in Argentina (14-21 November of this year). The defending champions achieved the title with a 4-0 win over Switzerland and booked their ticket for The World Games 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland.
In Wroclaw, the German team will compete against Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, Argentina and Poland, aiming to defend their TWG title. What the fans learned in Argentina is that there is more than a slight chance that they will make it. Team Germany proved once again that it’s impossible to keep up with their “Golden Generation” on the pitch.
Striker Patrick Thomas and his teammates didn’t lose a single set in seven games on their way to defend their title from the World Championship 2011. The Swiss team was their opponent in the final game for the third consecutive time on the international stage: World Games 2013, European Championship 2014 and the third final clash between the bordering countries when Germany beat Switzerland 4-0 in sets, to secure their record-setting 11th World Cup title this November in Argentina.
Captain Christian Kläner, the five-time World Games winner (1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2013) manifested his reign, holding all titles in Men’s International Fistball, including Youth World Champion. Kläner, who announced his retirement from the team after the big victory said: „I’m really happy to be part of the best team in the world. I haven’t seen a performance like this during my entire career. It’s time to end my international career with this highlight!”
Also coach Neuenfeld praised the level of his players: “It’s unbelievable. I’ve been with the team for ten years now and it’s my third World Cup title. My contract is running until The World Games 2017 but I would definitely like to continue as coach even further.”
As reigning World Champion, Germany is top seeded for the upcoming World Games 2017 in Wroclaw/Poland. After winning back to back World Championships the team is eager to win back to back World Games titles as well.