The Men´s World Foorball Championships 2018 European Qualifications Group 4 matches are played in Nitra, Slovakia. On the first qualification day, Denmark and Spain were victorious.
Austria giving trouble to Denmark
Denmark faced Austria in the first match of the WFCQ EUR 4 in Nitra. Denmark had the ball control from the start and the first goal was seen at 1:47 as #9 Matthias Fonnesbech Bust took Denmark to 1-0 lead. Though Denmark kept controlling the period, the scoreboard remained rather even. After 20 minutes the score was 3-1 for Denmark.
The second period was more even and full of energy. After 40 minutes the score was 5-2 for Denmark. Things were looking up for team Austria at the start of the third period as #14 Laurin Zehetner decreased the score to 5-3 and not long after Austria were rewarded with a powerplay. However, it was Denmark who took their chance and scored a shorthanded goal.
Despite Austria’s good effort, Denmark won the match 6-3. Though the Danish were the better team when it comes to individual technique, physique as well as reading the game, it was Austria’s willpower and attitude that made the match rather even. It’s not every day you see such a small goal difference between nations that have 14 teams between them in rankings and this surely felt like a victory for Austria.
Fast Spain three steps ahead of Great Britain
The match between Spain and Great Britain was hectic from the start. There was a lot of speed and both teams were going at it at 100%. Spain proved to be a stronger team as they were already in a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes being played.
In the second period Great Britain got a chance to decrease the score as they got a 2-minute powerplay. However, with only two shots, the score remained the same. Right after, they got another chance at a powerplay, but were once again as insufficient as in the first one. The Spanish, who were quick on their feet, increased their lead to 5-0 before the end of the 2nd period.
In the third period, Great Britain were able to score their first goal. Unfortunately for them, this wasn’t enough as Spain continued building beautiful scoring chances and hitting the target. In the end Spain won the match with and efficient 11-1 goal difference
