The IFF will write a preview of each competition day with information about the teams, the players and the match itself. The previews can also be found at the WKK Sport Center and will be distributed to media. This way also the media personnel who are not that familiar with the sport, can find it easier to follow.
During the first day, Finland secured their spot in the semifinals and Group A winner by winning against both Czech Republic and Poland. Switzerland dominated against the USA and also won their first match. The second day showed dominance from Sweden and Czech Republic. In the midday match the Swedes first demolished USA, and in the evening they gave a sign of a very strong form defeating Switzerland 3-0.
The Czechs faced Poland for a place in the semifinals, and they didn´t leave anything unclear, beating the hosts in an impressive way 12-1. Finland won the Group A before Czech Republic and Sweden took the first place in Group B, leaving Switzerland second. The results mean that in the semifinals Finland will face Switzerland and Sweden will take on Czech Republic. Poland and USA will fight for the 5th place.
Group A Group B
Finland (1*) Sweden (2)
Czech Republic (4) Switzerland (3)
Poland (13) USA (11)
* = placement in WFC 2016
Previous TWG 2017 results:
FIN – CZE 4-2
SUI – USA 17-0
POL – FIN 0-5
USA – SWE 0-20
CZE – POL 12-1
SWE – SUI 3-0
WFC = World Floorball Championships. The WFC 2016 acted as the qualification tournament for The World Games. All medallists, best neighbouring team to Poland, host country Poland and the best non-European team qualified.
All Stars Team = In every WFC, an All Stars Team is elected by the media representatives.
Semifinal 1: FIN v SUI 14:30
The first semifinal will be a clash between the Group A winner Finland and the second from the Group B, Switzerland. The reigning World Champions started the tournament with two wins on Thursday, but in the both matches they had some tough times. Especially the first match against the Czech was nearly as close as a floorball match can get. Finland got what they wanted, but everybody knows that they still have the capability to improve. Many times the Finns have stepped up their level of play just as it matters the most, and this must probably be the case if they want to reach the final.
Switzerland got off to a flying start against USA, but were stopped by the strong Swedes after a really speedy and entertaining evening match on Friday. Even though the Swiss didn´t get on the score sheet against Sweden, they did play really well at times and especially in the first two periods, during which they missed a lot of good chances to go ahead. The history books have already quite many tight matches between Finland and Switzerland, and it wouldn´t surprise anyone if one would be added to that list in Wroclaw on Saturday.
Players to watch
FIN
#20 Nico Salo: A consistent leader, who shines with his vision and floorball brain.
#61 Peter Kotilainen: Was rested against Poland after netting two against the Czechs. Has always a special hunger for goals and will to decide matches. This day will not be an exception.
#9 Eemeli Salin: The physical forward got a confidence boost after a good display against Poland. Decided the semifinal seven seconds before full time in Riga.
SUI
#74 Curdin Furrer: The goalkeeper was the best player of his team against Sweden. Can he replicate his form in the semifinal?
#19 Mathias Hofbauer: The living floorball legend was not far from scoring yesterday. Always leads by example and experience.
#97 Luca Graf: The strong defender scored a hat-trick against USA and has a lot of responsibility at both ends of the rink.
The previous matches
28.4.2017 FIN – SUI 6-0
4.12.2016 FIN – SUI 6-4
Semifinal 2: SWE – CZE 17:00
The Czechs played an impressive match against Poland on Friday, defeating the hosts 12-1. Against Finland they came close to winning but couldn´t convert the good scoring chances to actual goals. That can´t be the case on Saturday, if they want to stand any chance against the in-form Team Sweden. Petri Kettunen knows how to beat the Swedes, so it will be interesting to see how he will form his tactics in this match. Sweden had a really strong Friday, beating first USA comfortably with a massive 20 scored goals, before handling a tricky match against the Swiss.
Sweden has been a really tough opponent for Czech Republic and there´s already several years from their last victory. On Saturday the task will be again very difficult, but the Czechs showed against Finland that they can win anyone in this tournament and that they are up for a big fight. Sweden has a lot of firepower, and the likes of Nilsson, Galante Carlström and Enström are used to being effective and succeeding in big games.
Players to watch
CZE
#28 Matej Jendrisak: The center is big, strong and skillful all in the same package. Number one leader in his team with a huge responsibility both in attack and defence.
#22 Lukas Veltsmid: A calm and smart defender with solid hands and good decision making. Has a strong shot which has yet to find the net in TWG. Is Saturday the time for a goal?
#19 Patrik Doza: Was the man of the match against Poland, scoring 3+3. His creativity will be needed against Sweden. Will the confidence boost be shown in the big match?
SWE
#7 Kim Nilsson: The tall, talismanic forward had a great game against Switzerland, finding the net twice. Always dangerous when in the rink.
#9 Alexander Galante Carlström: If you would have to explain term sniper to somebody, the Falun forward would be the perfect example. Didn´t score against the Swiss, but will want to be the decider on Saturday.
#27 Robin Nilsberth: The experienced leader of the Swedish defence. Impresses with his physical strength and a very good all-around game.
Previous results
28.4.2017 SWE – CZE 10-3
6.12.2016 SWE – CZE 8-4
5th place match: POL – USA 20:00
Poland made a statement about their capabilities against the World Champions on Thursday, keeping themselves in the match for a long time. They showed great character, fighting spirit and some nice skills too. Still, the positive start has led only to one scored goal so far. One thing is for sure: the host country is hungry and will want to give its crowd something to cheer on Saturday evening. USA had really difficult two matches.
Both Sweden and Switzerland gave a lecture about passing and scoring goals at the top level in floorball. USA hasn´t scored yet a goal in this tournament and the matches have been pretty much only about defending from very low. The match for the 5th place in TWG floorball tournament will be interesting fight between two hungry teams, who want to show the floorball world what they really can do.
Players to watch
POL
#10 Wojciech Malajka: The young sniper who has not got on the scoresheet yet, but will be very hungry when the game kicks off. Wants to fulfill the expectations.
#15 Mateusz Antoniak: One of the most experienced players and a big leader in his team. Physical player with a good shot.
#11 Michal Sienko: Talented young defender has impressed with his technical ability. Will he be doing that again on Saturday evening?
USA
#3 Alexander Miller: The defender has been one of the best players for his team during the tough two matches. Comfortable with the ball and leads by example.
#10 Alexander Granvald: The forward has a lot of fighting spirit in him, but also the potential for scoring goals.
#89 Keven Glanzmann: The goalkeeper has been one of the best players so far in Team USA. Made a lot of great saves in both matches, including a real highlight save against Switzerland.
Previous results
7.12.2012 POL – USA 7-6 (after a penalty shootout)
9.12.2008 USA – POL 3-6
For more information about the teams and players visit www.floorball.org.
We have interviews with the head coaches as well as some of the players and team presentations! You can find them in written at www.floorball.org/pages/EN/The-World-Games-2017 and videoclips at www.youtube.com/user/iffchannel/You can also find us on social media: IFF Floorball #floorball
