The 7th of September, 2024 will forever be a memorable day for Spanish Floorball as the Men’s U19 team managed to qualify for the first major World Floorball Championships in the history of the Federation. With a big 12-3 win over Belgium, it was not only Spain who qualified but also Estonia whose point total of 5 is already unreachable by the other competing teams with 1 day to go in Pruszcz.

With 2 wins from their first 2 matches both Estonia and Spain came into their contest not being able to be split apart. With a 2 goal lead with 2 minutes to go it seemed history was becoming for Spain before a miraculous comeback with the equaliser being struck by Anton Fjodorov with only 4 seconds remaining. Proving that these 2 nations could not be separated at all it came down to next day as Spain took on Belgium with only a draw being needed for the Spanish to qualify, with Belgium needing a win to keep their hopes alive. However with momentum and form this week squarely in the hands of the Spanish it was them who rocketed off to a fast start before eventually blowing Belgium away in convincing fashion despite losing to them already twice earlier this year during Europower tournaments. With a final score of 12-3 Spain secured their first ever qualification for a major World Floorball Championship in all categories, to spark joyous scenes amongst the staff, players and fans in attendance. Estonia also celebrated back in their hotel as even during their day off the Belgium loss confirmed their own qualification for the 2025 U19 WFC in Zurich next April with both the Spanish and Estonian teams proving to be the strongest in Pruszcz all week.

One more day of competition remains to see whether Spain or Estonia will top the table. France will be hoping to not remain winless with their final group game against Estonia whilst Belgium will battle Poland for 3rd in the group. Spain will already be celebrating on their flight back home to Madrid.

For more details from the U19 WFCQ in Poland click the link for the IFF App

For all the pictures from these U19 Qualifications check out our Flickr
(Please Credit Photographer)