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 meant that in the semifinals Finland faced Switzerland and Sweden took on Czech Republic. Poland and USA fought for the 5th place.
The first semifinal was expected to be very tight. That was the case most of the time but this time it was Switzerland who took the chances and lifted up their game when it mattered the most. The Swiss team was able to win the World Champions from Riga with the final score 5-2 and advanced to the historic The World Games final. In the final Switzerland will face Sweden, who defeated Czech Republic in a thrilling, intensive match. The Czechs were close to an equalizer in the third period but during the final two minutes Swedes hit a couple of goals more, when the chasers had to take risks. The final score was 5-2 in another semifinal as well..
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
FIN – SUI 2-5
SWE – CZE 5-2
POL – USA 1-4
Bronze match: FIN vs CZE 11:00
The bronze match will be the second time that these two teams meet here in Wroclaw. In the first match Finland was able to turn the tight and entertaining match into a 4-2 win after some thrilling moments. The Finns were able to take their chances better than their opponent on Thursday’s match, but the Czech Republic have shown that they have the potential of having a revenge and knock the reigning World Champions out of the medals on Sunday.
The Czechs have definitely improved their game already with their new head coach Petri Kettunen, and it remains to be seen if the World Champion from Riga can take his first win against his home country. Finland, for its part, has not been at its best yet at The World Games. Still, everybody knows their potential and their routine from big games. In this match one of the most deciding aspects will be, which of the teams has recovered better mentally and physically from the disappointing losses in the semifinals.
Players to watch
FIN
#29 Mika Kohonen: Arguably the biggest legend in our sport. The veteran has the experience and authority to motivate his team and act as an example after a disappointing loss.
#56 Krister Savonen: One of the most soft-handed defenders in the world. Besides silky smooth technique, has a great vision. Assisted the game-winning goal against the Czechs on Thursday.
#1 Santtu Strandberg: The tall goalkeeper reminds floorball people of the style of Henri Toivoniemi. Kept a clean sheet against Poland, might get the nod in the bronze match.
CZE
#15 Marek Benes: The young forward has impressed in TWG with his courage and confidence. Scored 1+1 against the Swedes, will his good tournament have a great ending?
#74 Lukas Bauer: The goalkeeper played very well against the Finns in the group stage. Can he replicate his form in the bronze match?
#23 Ondrej Nemecek: Played in U19 WFC in May, and now he is already playing well against the very best in the world. Amazingly mature, calm and smart player for his age.
Previous results
27.7.2017 FIN – CZE 4-2
27.4.2017 FIN – CZE 8-1
4.2.2017 FIN – CZE 5-5
Final: SWE – SUI 14:30
The historical first ever The World Games floorball final will be played between Sweden and Switzerland. The Swedes survived a scare against the Czechs while Switzerland was at the driver’s seat for nearly the whole match against Finland.
Switzerland has never won Sweden in an important match, so one of the biggest questions on Sunday afternoon will be, whether the Swiss players have the mental strength to change the history and beat the Swedes in this big occasion. Switzerland definitely already showed in the group stage match on Friday, that they are very well capable of causing a lot of problems for Sweden. Then, the biggest difference between the two teams was the percentage of scoring from good opportunities, and in this sense Sweden is usually the best team in the world with its many effective snipers. Against Finland, the Swiss players were confident, created a lot of chances and found the net five times. The direction is good but they definitely need at least to keep the same level if they want to become the first TWG floorball champions. Both teams will naturally be very hungry for the win, as Switzerland chases its first ever major tournament win in men’s floorball, whereas Sweden wants to return to the throne of the World Floorball.
Players to watch
SWE
#17 Rasmus Enström: One of the most complete players in floorball and has been used to winning for a long time at both club and national team levels.
#25 Jonas Svahn: This guy is lightning fast, but in the semifinal he showed also his great finishing skills with two very well taken goals.
#31 Viktor Klintsten: Man of the match against the Czechs, making a lot of great saves. In the final another good game will be needed against the in-form Switzerland.
SUI
#19 Matthias Hofbauer: The Swiss legend has played for many, many years for his country. Now he is finally again in a major final. In this special moment his experience is priceless.
#23 Manuel Engel: Was phenomenal against the Finns, scoring 2+1 including what might have been the assist of the tournament. Is his flow going to continue on Sunday?
#74 Curdin Furrer: Was mentioned in the semifinal preview, but has to be again. The goalkeeper has been the best in his position so far in the tournament. If he is to keep his level, Switzerland have a great chance of finally winning its first major tournament.
Previous results
28.7.2017 SWE – SUI 3-0
27.4.2017 SUI – SWE 5-6
10.12.2016 SWE – SUI 7-2
