Neuchâtel, Switzerland, December 10, 2019 – Day 4 of the 2019 Women’s Floorball World Championship will be a day of epic proportions as the group phase draws to a dramatic conclusion. 

In Group A, hosts Switzerland take on Poland looking to seal top spot in the group, but Finland will be waiting in the wings hoping that the Poles don’t spring a surprise to possibly scupper their hopes of automatic passage to the last eight. 

There is still all to play for in Group B with all four teams in action to decide how the group will ultimately finish, including a fiery derby encounter, while Denmark and Estonia will meet in a critical Group C tie and in Group D, Australia and Singapore clash to decide who will finish top; both are guaranteed a place in the playoff round. Winless Thailand and the USA will also face off in Group D, looking for a confidence boosting win to take into the classification games. 

Australia & Singapore lock horns for top spot in Group D

With both already assured of a place in the playoff round, Australia & Singapore rub shoulders in Group D in the first game of the day to decide the formality of who will top the group. 

With qualification secure, both sides can play without the pressure of needing to get a result, and this can sometimes see players bring out their best form. For certain, this game will be a battle between two very strong attacks, with Blaise Hodges and Yasmin Skene in fine form for the Aussies, while Singapore can rely on the talented duo of Tiffany and Jerelee Ong. Yun Shawn Yee will also carry a threat for them, and is one for spectators to watch out for. 

Denmark & Estonia meet in crucial Group C game 

The record of both these teams reads one win and one defeat so far. With Norway already through as Group C winners and Japan unable to progress to the playoff round, it will be a straight shootout between the Danes and the Estonians ti decide who joins Norway in the playoffs.

The Danes have been an entertaining side to watch so far, having beaten Japan in their first game before pushing Norway all the way in a narrow 4:5 defeat. Going forward they have been a good watch for spectators and they are certain to offer much again today, with a potent attacking line containing in-form Cecilia Di Nardo and Klara Fjorder. The guile and craft of youngster Jasmin Damm will also be a resource that the Scandinavians can call upon. 

Much of Estonia’s forward thrust has come from Edith Parnik and Kristel Kopel so far, but there is much firepower in their arsenal since Diana Klavan and Kati Kutisaar are also off the mark in Neuchâtel and both will be gunning for goals against the Danes. With their deadly quartet on show also, it is sure to be another enthralling game.

Fierce federal derby game to shape the outcome of Group B 

Czech Republic vs Slovakia. A well-known derby, but with both teams having recorded one win and one defeat in Group B thus far, this is once again a straight battle to secure a top two spot and an automatic quarter-final berth. The winner will progress to the last eight, with derby day’s beaten side consigned to the playoffs 

The World Number Four Czechs will be looking to unleash their array of talent on their nearest rivals. Natalie Martinakova was their strongest performer last time out against Sweden and the onus will be on her to deliver again, but Czech supporters will be hoping the likes of Martina Repkova, Eliska Krupnova and Denisa Ratajova can deliver the goods again.

The Slovaks will be plotting their own masterplan to get one over on their closest rivals and qualify for the last eight ahead of them, and key to executing this plan will be the firepower of Michaela Sponiarova and the duo of Kristina and Paulina Hudáková. All three were on the scoresheet against Latvia, and those on the side of the border closest to Bratislava will be craving for them to do so again and bring home a crucial win for both tournament progress and national pride. 

Switzerland & Poland in quarter-final qualification battle 

Switzerland go into this closing Group A encounter with Poland knowing that a win will secure top spot. The Poles, however, are trailing both Switzerland and Finland in the race for a top two place, and a win could be enough to see them leapfrog either side and sneak straight into the quarter finals themselves.

So plenty at stake, but Poland’s qualification quest will be easier said than done given the players at Switzerland’s disposal. Corin Rüttimann and Michelle Wiki have both been in imperious form, and with a fiery home crowd behind them, the atmosphere in any Swiss game makes them a real force to be reckoned with.

However, Poland have the resources to spoil the party and slam the brakes on Switzerland’s path to automatic progression. Dominika Buczek has given opposition defences plenty of scares so far, whilst Krzywak duo Justyna and Zuzanna were a thorn in the side of Germany last time out. 

With a partisan atmosphere to be expected and two string sides on show, this will be another mouthwatering battle. 

Sweden aiming for top spot in showdown with Latvia

Sweden have two wins from two in Group B and go into this matchup with winless Latvia eyeing up top spot. A win will confirm the Swedes as group winners with a 100% record, but Latvia won’t go down without a fight despite being unable to finish in the top two. They still have a playoff tie to prepare for, and a shock win over the world champions will be just the tonic for their confidence. 

Sweden will go in as heavy favourites having conceded the least goals of any team at the tournament so far. Much credit for that goes to goalkeeper Amanda Hill, and Latvia’s dynamic duo in attack of Simona Grapena and Laura Gargere will need to be on top form to beat her, as will spearhead Anna Ankudinova.

Sweden need not remind anyone of their attacking talent. They have flexed their muscles over their two games scoring a whopping 33 goals in the process, with Moa Gustafsson, Emelie Wibron, Sara Steen and Johanna Hultgren among the most consistent performers. But the swedes can also summon Amanda Delgado Johansson and Sofia Joelsson to enter the fray if needed, both of whom were on fire in Day 1’s crushing win over Slovakia.

It will be a daunting task for Latvia, but with both teams aiming for the win for different reasons, this could be another cracker. 

Match schedule 10.12.19

Patinoires du Littoral

10:30 am SGP – AUS  (D)

1:30 pm DNK – EST  (C)

4:30 pm CZE – SVK  (B) 

7:30 pm POL – SUI  (A)

La Riveraine 

4:30 pm USA – THD  (D)

7:30 pm SWE – LET  (B)