Day 5 of Floorball at the World Games provided all the final decision for the medals.
Czech Republic vs Latvia
The Czech team were the favourit in this game. But Latvia was not prepared to give anything away for free. The first period was a tight and tought battle; both teams performing on a high level. It was Josef Rypar from Team Czech Republic who was able to score the first goal of the game after 12 minutes. The second period started with the Latvian equalizer by Arturs Jursevskis. However, it was Team Czech Republic who had two quick answers with two goals – 3-1 lead for Czech Republic after 30 minutes. The character of the game changed within the first five minutes in the last period. Morics Krumins reacted too strong with a cross-check to a Czech provocation and was penaltized with a red card. Latvia did not do themselves a favour with conceiding a penalty shot and 2 minutes penalty (for delaying the game). Team Czech Republic was clever and experienced enough to bring this victory home with a 7-3 win.
Watch the replay here.
Match statistics available here.
Sweden vs Finland
The first period kept its promise to be a close contest between the two strongest teams in this tournament. Both goalkeeper performed very strongly, hence it was no surprise that the only goal scored occured out of mistake by an unprecise passing; Ville Lastikka was able to take advanatge out of this. The second period started in a similar way until Sweden was able to score two times within 15 seconds; Hampus Ahren and Kevin Haglund the two scorers. It was Emil Johansson who finished a perfect break-away attack for Sweden with the third goal; just one minute before the second intermission. Both teams kept pushing forward to score. Goals were shot frequently on both ends. It was the Swedish team which had the better end to them with three goals scored. Even Finland was able to score four times – it was not enough. Sweden wins the gold medal with a 6-5 win.
Watch the replay here.
Match statistics available here.
