THE Namibian Under 18 Fistball Team finished fifth at the fourth U18 Fistball World Cup in Lloret de Mar, Spain over the weekend.

In their first match they faced Brazil and lost the match in two straight sets (11-5, 11-4). Namibia went on to lose their next three matches. They won the first set 11-0 against Austria, but lost the match 2-1. They were also beaten by Switzerland (2-0) and Chile (2-0) on the opening day of the tournament on July 22.

The next day, the Namibians' fortunes improved when they beat hosts, Spain in straight sets (11-0, 11-5). In their next match they lost to the defending champions Germany 2-1 after winning the first set 11-5. In their next match the Namibians beat Italy 11-7, 11-3 to seal fifth position in the preliminary round of matches. Namibia then had to face Austria again in an encounter for fourth place and once again Austria proved to be too tough as they won the match 2-0 (11-5, 11-7).

In their fifth place playoff, Namibia played Chile who had beaten them in an earlier encounter, but this time Namibia won the match 2-0 (11-5, 12-10).

Germany were the winners of the World Cup with 14 points, having won 14 sets and dropping only one set. Brazil was second with 12 points. They won 12 sets and lost three. Switzerland was third after they won 11 sets and lost five to accumulate 10 points. Austria was fourth with eight points ahead of Namibia who had four points.

Chile (4), Italy (4) and Spain were number six, seven and eight on the final standings.