Neuchatel, Switzerland, December 12, 2019 – The first pair of quarter-final ties will feature as the main event on the sixth day of WFC 2019 action as Finland face Slovakia and host-nation Switzerland face Latvia, with the prize a place in the last four.

Elsewhere, 13th and 15th place will be decided  today, whilst the first leg of 9th-12th classification ties will be played out between four hopefuls.

But what do Floorball fans the world over really have to look forward to on a thirsty Thursday of sporting masterclass?

Reigning silver medalists face sixth seeds for place in the semis

After Slovakia made it through their playoff tie, a playoff date with Finland was etched into the calendar and there is every reason to believe it will offer another mouthwatering proposition for Floorball fans.

Finland’s Kauppi twins have been in fine form thus far, along with Mia Karjalainen, Mia Vallenius and Sofia Leino. But after having their feathers ruffled by the Swiss during the group phase, they will have to be very wary of Slovakia.

Michaela Sponiarova has cemented her status as one of the key Slovak forwards, while the Hudáková duo are capable of putting a thorn in the side of anyone.

It’s World Number Two against World Number Six, and an exciting tie is sure to follow.

Hosts take on fifth seeds hoping to keep the party going

Switzerland have been faultless on home soul so far at three championships, with three wins from three to top Group A. But they will need to be on alert to reach the final four as World Number Five Latvia offer a tangible challenge.

The Swiss can rely on the attacking talents of Corin Rüttimann and Michelle Wiki. They have been the telling contributors to the hosts’ cause so far, along with Brigitte Mischler and the emerging Andrea Gamperli.

However, for all their attacking prowess, the hosts will also be forced to contain the visitors. Simona Grapena has truly come into her own in recent fixtures, while Julia Rozite and Laura Gargere offer plenty of forward thrust.

One poor showing from Switzerland and the visitors could capitalise: this is set to be another exciting encounter.

Danes and Singaporeans offer unpredictable classification match

Denmark and Singapore have been two of the lower group stage heroes. Denmark finished runners up in Group C, Singapore Group D winners, and both can count themselves unlucky to have fallen short of reaching the last eight. This classification tie offers a real chance of redemption, but it remains open as to who will take advantage of it.

Klara Fjorder and Lina Voldby have been among the more consistent Danish performers, and their head to head with the likes of Singapore’s potent attack of Jerelee Ong and Amanda Yeap could make for a real thriller.

These teams will be keen to salvage some pride, and this encounter will offer an ideal chance.

Australia and Norway to offer a real spectacle

Norway can count themselves unfortunate not to be contesting the quarter finals after succumbing to Latvia, but a showdown with Australia offers the chance to respond, albeit not an easy one.

Blaise Hodges and Jessica Birks have been superb for the girls from Down Under, while Carolyn Margetts announced her presence in the playoff match with Poland.

However, Norway’s Rikke Ingebrigtsli Hansen has provided real guile and craft thus far, while Sofie and Mari Kristiansen offer additional options going forward.

With two bright underdogs coming head to head here, this classification match is sure to throw up some thrills.

Asia meets Europe and North America in two classification showdowns

Day Five’s classification winners face off today: Thailand and the USA run shoulders for 15th place, while Japan and Estonia battle for 13th.

Estonia’s thrilling overtime win is over the Americans will provide plenty of positives, particularly so in Kati Kutisaar’s performance, but Japan have their first win and Mahiro Shimizu, their leading scorer in Neuchâtel, will he hungry for more here.

Meanwhile, the USA have shown plenty of promise but little end product in terms of results. Marie Haggstrom’s consistent displays have been a bonus going forward, but they will need to defend better if they are to topple Thailand, who got the better of them during the group phase.

Thanaporn Tongkham is one of the standout Thai stars, and she will be looking to weave her magic again to get one over the Americans once more.

Match schedule 12.12.19

Patinoires du Littoral:

10:00 am- Thailand vs USA (15th Place)

1:00 pm- Japan vs Estonia (13th Place)

4:00 pm- Finland vs Slovakia (Quarter-Final)

7:00 pm- Switzerland vs Latvia (Quarter-Final)

La Riveraine:

12:00 pm- Denmark vs Singapore (9th-12th classification tie)

3:00 pm- Australia vs Norway (9th-12th classification tie)