Day 3 of Floorball at the World Games showed us the physical side of floorball with some big wins as well!
Thailand vs Latvia
Latvia headed into this game knowing a draw would send them through to the semi finals after their previous draw against Sweden and victory against Switzerland. The Thais were down two outfield players (through Injury) and therefore had goalkeeper and dynamo Yotsaphong Chaiphring play as an outfield player for part of the match whilst Autthachai Sohtree was in the goal. Thailand started the brightest with some good saves from Sohtree leading to a goal from 18 year old Liam Kerdsawangwong. Latvia grew into the game from that point onwards, however, building up a large lead going 7-1 up before 20 minutes had surpassed. Latvia didn’t stop there even after a Veerasak Pimpa goal, with the final score being 15-2 to Latvia with hat-tricks for Rolands Kovalevskis and Andris Rajeckis.
Match statistics available here.
Switzerland vs Sweden
This match had a lot riding on it from the outset, with the winner progressing to the semi finals and the loser missing out on a chance of medal and heading into the 5th place playoff match after the earlier win for Latvia. The Swiss being the underdogs in the game tried to impose themselves physically on the Swedes with the game becoming a tough physical battle from the outset. Sweden however were unfazed heading into a 2 goal lead within the first 10 minutes. The match went into a stalemate not long after with chances for both team being snuffed out by blocks from defenders or good, strong saves from the goalkeepers. No matter how or when the Swiss came forward they could not find the net with a stout Swedish defence and a great performance from Jon Hedlund who made 13 saves and got the shutout to send Sweden into the Semi Finals with a 3-0 win and they will play the Czech Republic. Switzerland will head to the 5th place playoff against Canada.
Match statistics available here.
Czech Republic vs Canada
Canada fresh off a victory against rivals USA faced a hungry Czech team ready to redeem themselves after a loss against Finland the day before. The Czechs were angry and hungry for victory and came out of the blocks strong before an onslaught of goals throughout the 2nd and 3rd period with hat-tricks from Mikulas Krbec, Matej Havlas and Jiri Besta sent the Czechs into a 17-0 victory. Canadian chances were few and far between but they still made Czech goalie Martin Benes work on a number of occasions. The Czechs head into the semi finals against Sweden whilst Canada head into the 5th place playoff against Switzerland.
Match statistics available here.
USA vs Finland
The final match of the day was between hosts USA and Finland. Finland started well scoring the fastest goal of the tournament so far after only 17 seconds. This pace didn’t stop throughout with Finland putting on a passing and possession clinic. The USA goalie Sebastian Stockli made 37 saves in total throughout the match and left the field completely drenched in sweat using every ounce of energy possible. Finland could not be stopped however with hat-tricks for Sami Johansson and Joonas Pylsy with the final score ending 16-0 to the Finns. Finland head to the semi finals as group winners and will face Latvia whilst the US will battle Thailand for 7th place and will look for their first win of this World Games tournament.
Match statistics available here.
Find all match replays, highlights and interviews from IFF Youtube Channel 1.
