"We don't approve of the whistling and booing" - Germany react to stunning upset of Luke Littler & Luke Humphries at World Cup of Darts 2025

Germany have pulled off a sensational upset at the 2025 World Cup of Darts. Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko defeated the previously unbeaten England duo of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler — the world’s number one and two — with a commanding 8–4 victory. The German team now moves on to face Australia in the quarterfinals.

In a thunderous atmosphere at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, Schindler and Pietreczko achieved what many thought impossible: beating the tournament favourites. Roared on by the home crowd, the German pair delivered a performance for the ages.

“I think it was definitely one of the best atmospheres we've had in the World Cup,” said Schindler to dartsnews.com. “I mean, obviously, we have to say that we don't approve with the whistling and booing, but for us, it’s not getting easier because our opponents are getting booed or whistled. So we still need to go up there and perform — and we've done that today.”

Pietreczko admitted the draw had come as a shock. “We were staying in the venue and I saw the draw on the TV,” he recalled. “And I think, uh, no. Why? Why? Why us?”

Despite the daunting opposition, belief was never lacking. As Schindler put it: “We were aware of the fact that we have to beat probably the best team, the best country, in this World Cup of Darts. And we've been prepared, we've been focused mentally, and we've been like on 100%. And we have to do the same tomorrow. It doesn’t matter if it’s going to be Australia or Argentina. It doesn’t matter if we are going to be the favourites. We have to play our game. And if we do that, we will cause trouble to anybody.”

Australia await in the quarterfinals after a comfortable win over Argentina. Germany, though, are firmly focused on what lies ahead.

“I think it’s unbelievable to win this,” Pietreczko said, looking ahead to the possibility of lifting the trophy. “But I think this time it’s—yeah, I think it’s possible. I think we work very good together.”

Schindler echoed the optimism: “Yes, we do. Why not?”