Three games were played during the first day in the WFCQ 2018 EUR3 in Valmiera in Latvia. A good battle between Iceland and Russia, easy victories for Switzerland and Latvia.
Iceland is in for the qualifications for the second time and Russia did not make it to the WFC 2016 in Riga, so an interesting game was expected especially the performance of Iceland with some players who play in Swedish series.
After the first period it seemed that Russia would be the one to determine the speed and the direction of the game, but Iceland had their own plans and by the end of the second period the score was even, 4-4. Not maybe what team Russia had expected, but Iceland showed some really nice patterns during the second period even though Russia were more or less controlling the ball, but as is so well known, Floorball is a goal scoring sports and the goals count.
The first five minutes in the third period changed the course for the game and Russians were able to score three goals and that was turn point for the game. 7-5 victory for team Russia over Iceland, but a very good game from both teams.
Italy vs Switzerland
Italy had a flash start by scoring the first goal after only 49 seconds against Switzerland. The tickling feeling for the Italians unfortunately didn’t last that long and Switzerland started the engine for real and were able to score six goals in the first period and Italy’s only chance was to concentrate on defending and trying to protect own goal.
18-2 for Switzerland and they easily took one step closer to the final round.
Hungary-Latvia
Latvia didn´t make it easy for Hungary. It took only a bit more than five minutes and Latvia already had a 3-0 lead. After these three goals Latvia took some time to breathe and take it easy before attacking again. 4-0 at 11:29 and it looked like the team Latvia would do what ever they want, but luckily the Hungarians were able to score at least one goal and to lift up the spirit.
Seven goals for Latvia in the second period clarified who the winner would be in the game and eventually an easy 12-1 victory for Latvia.
Match replays are available on IFF YouTube Channel 1 and photos on Flickr.
For all results and statistics visit the WFCQ 2018 EUR3 Event page
