USA Gets Past Serbia, Group D Title Match Awaits

Mannheim, Germany (July 23, 2023) – The United States secured a hard-fought victory over Serbia with a 3-0 (11:7, 12:10, 11:6) win in their second match in Group D at the 2023 IFA Men’s World Championships. Despite early struggles with unforced errors and challenging windy conditions at Rhein-Neckar Stadium, the American team managed to maintain control of the match. Though Serbia managed to tie the game on two occasions, they couldn't capitalize on the American mistakes. The United States regrouped by the third set, exhibiting strong defensive team play and delivering powerful serves by Todd Strassberger, ultimately securing the victory.

With this win, the United States advances to a crucial Group D title match against Denmark, which is scheduled for tomorrow (July 24th). Denmark, with a 2-0 record, defeated Belgium (11:6, 12:10, 11:7) in the first match of the day at Rhein-Neckar Stadium. The upcoming clash with Denmark will prove to be the Americans' most challenging match yet, as the winner will not only claim the Group D title but also face the 4th place finisher in Group A in the Quarterfinal Qualifier match on Tuesday.

This will be the fourth meeting between the United States and Denmark in their history. Denmark holds a perfect 3-0 record against the Americans, with the United States never having won a set against them. In previous encounters, Denmark defeated the United States during group play at the 1999 World Championships and repeated their success twice more at the 2007 World Championships. The Danish national team took a break from competition between 2008 and 2018 but has since returned to the world stage, achieving a 12th place finish at the 2019 World Championships and a 7th place finish at the last summer’s European Championships.

To catch all the action of the Group D finale, make sure to tune into Fistball.tv on Monday, July 24th, at 2:00 pm local time (8:00 am EST, 7:00 am CT). Additionally, for updates and behind-the-scenes content from the 2023 World Championships in Mannheim, Germany, be sure to follow USA Fistball on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Photo: Mar Gonzalez Mulet (IFA)