Neuchâtel, Switzerland, December 8 – After the opening day of the 2019 Women’s Floorball World Championship treated us to some thrilling games, fans flocking to the venues and tuning in from across the world can look forward to even more heartstopping action on Day 2.
But as the teams look to take another step closer to the quarter finals and a chance of getting to the coveted podium, what can fans look forward to today?
World Number Five vs World Number Four
It’s a clash between two very close opponents in the IFF World Rankings as Latvia & the Czech Republic begin their campaigns in Group B.
Both sides will be sporting some star attackers, but who will have the edge between Latvia’s Simona Grapena and the Czech forward Martina Repkova could be a real factor in deciding this match, which could be a tactical game of chess as much as a physical battle.
Two of the world’s top three fight to top their group
As soon as the groups were drawn and this game was announced in the tournament schedule, fans and staff knew it could be crucial. After both Finland and Switzerland secured comprehensive opening day wins in Group A, this examination will be much tougher for both as the 2017 silver medalists and bronze medalists scrap for top spot going into the final round of group games.
Of course, it’s the World Number Three Switzerland who will benefit from home advantage, but whether the defence can keep the deadly duo of Veera and Oona Kauppi quiet could be crucial. Equally, Corin Rüttimann and Mirjam Hintermann offer the Swiss a lot of cut, thrust and firepower, and how they go about troubling the Finnish defence will be a fascinating watch.
A Southeast Asian Derby
Midday at La Riveraine will see some Asian spice added to the competition as Thailand and Singapore battle it out in Group D. As well as looking to secure local bragging rights, both teams are playing their first games in this year’s competition and will want to get that vital first win to ease the nerves.
An all-Scandinavian showdown
Both Denmark and Norway picked up wins on the opening day in Group C, and now both lock horns in a local derby with top spot in the group at stake. The winner will take a huge step toward a final top two spot in the group and passage to the playoff round for the quarter finals, so both will be desperate to take the points.
A crucial showdown will be between two of the diminutive but dangerous figures for either side: Denmark’s Jasmin Damm and Norway’s Rikke Ingebrigtsli Hansen, who both notched goals and enjoyed fine performances on Day 1.
Four of the opening day unfortunates look to bounce back
Both Poland and Germany suffered setbacks on Day 1, but the near neighbours will so battle today in the hope of getting their Group A campaign back on track. Germany’s Anna Lena Best is yet to break her goalscoring duck in Neuchâtel and will be keen to get her first of the tournament here, while Poland’s Dominika Buczek already has her first goal of the competition and will be eager for more to help the Poles up the group table.
Over in Group C, La Riveraine will be painted blue as Estonia and Japan battle it out in search of their first win. Both suffered narrow defeats on the opening day, and a quick response here will be critical for both sides to give themselves a chance of progressing from a competitive group. With Japan yet to score at this year’s World Championship, this one is sure to be a battle. Japan’s goalkeeper Miko Yamanaka was their standout performer on Day 1, and she will need to be at her best to keep out Estonia’s frontline of Kristi Rickberg and Edith Parnik who both got onto the scoresheet in their opening defeat by Norway.
Match schedule 08.12.19
Patinoires du Littoral
10:30 am LET – CZE (B)
1:30 pm FIN – SUI (A)
4:30 pm POL – GER (A)
La Riveraine
12:00 pm THD – SPG (D)
3:00 pm JPN – EST (C)
6:00 pm DNK – NOR (C)