If it were up to the fans, Emirates Team New Zealand would have already won the America's Cup. More than a million cheering people lined the streets at the welcome party in Auckland after their team won the America's Cup for the first time in 1995. The enthusiasm has remained: The country stands behind its eleven-man sailing team like a twelfth man. The majority of international fans are also rooting for the Kiwis like David against Goliath. At the same time, the American defenders are trying to mobilise their fans after many setbacks. Helmsman James Spithill said: "If people want to support us, they want to support us now! If we can get people behind us in a tough situation like this, now is the time." The New Zealand Herald has made no secret of its affection for its Kiwi sailors. Here are the international headlines ahead of the first starting gun on Saturday evening at 10.15pm German time.
"New Zealand Herald:
"U.S. vs. Us"
"Waterfront Auckland considers its options"
"Team New Zealand continues to show an indomitable will"
"Larry Ellison - the man who hates losing"
"Jimmy 'Pit Bull' only knows one mode: fast!
"The Telegraph (Great Britain)"
"Stormy waters in San Francisco"
"Washington Post"
"The Kiwis are in San Francisco for one reason: they want to win back the America's Cup that they lost ten years ago!"
"San Francisco Chronicle"
"A report shows that the penalty against Oracle was lenient"
"In the face of the flags on the street corners, the adverts in the newspapers and on television, the America's Cup is coming to a head at this moment - 1.10pm midday on Saturday in a stiff breeze off San Francisco"
(Editor's note: ServusTV will be broadcasting the duel live from 10.10 pm German time).
"The Telegraph (Australia)"
"Speed record in the America's Cup within reach - America's Cup winner James Spithill predicts that the 50-knot mark will be reached this weekend."
"The Independent (Great Britain)
"New Zealand hopes David can finally slay Goliath"
"The World"
"David challenges Goliath to a duel"
"Tagesanzeiger" (Switzerland)
"American flag against New Zealand flag"
"La Gazzetta dello Sport" (Italy)
Unity against Oracle: "We will help New Zealand win the Cup." (Luna Rossa's skipper Max Sirena)
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
