Both Switzerland and Latvia secured their spots in the Final Round already yesterday, but none of the best number threes have yet been decided and it remains to be seen by tomorrow, which two best thirds will eventually make it to Prague from all the European qualifications groups.
The first game of the day, Russia against Italy was not easy for either of the teams. Four playing days behind and the that was actually quite visible in the game. Not that fast, but still very intense playing from both teams. Italy was really able to challenge Russia and got already really close, but finally Russian drew the longer straw and won the game 9-5.
The most valuable players of the teams in the WFCQ 2018 EUR3 were: Russia, #77 Pavel Semenov. Italy, #12 Livio Riedi.
The second game of the day was between Iceland and Hungary. Both teams had shown some good action during the tournament and it was more or less a matter which team would want the victory more. Hungary has been around longer than Iceland and their experience was more visible than the Icelanders and in the end of the first period it was already relatively clear who is controlling the game and will get the points Hungary took 12-3 victory over Iceland.
The most valuable players of the teams in the WFCQ 2018 EUR3 were: Iceland, #24 Andreas Stefansson. Hungary, #20 Domokos Racz
The third game of the day and at the same time the last game of the WFCQ 2018 EUR3 tournament was the one, which the Latvian spectators had been waiting for five days and there was a full house to watch the game. Almost 2000 spectators, which is quite impressive number in a qualification tournament.
Switzerland had a good start for the game and were able to score two in the first period even though the Latvians also had their chances and also a power play option to be used, during which they had two very close calls. 2-0 for Switzerland after the first period.
No matter how hard the home team tried and fought they couldn´t challenge Switzerland and the Swiss team was better today with the x-x numbers.
The most valuable players of tournament for the teams were: Switzerland; #5 Jan Zaugg; Latvia: #8, Janis Rajeckis
Switzerland and Latvia qualified directly from the WFCQ 2018 EUR3 and when it comes to the two best third nations to qualify, that remains to been seen after all the European qualifications have been played.
Thank You all for following, Valmiera/Latvia, over and out.
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
