Neuchâtel, Switzerland, December 8, 2019- As the 2019 Women’s Floorball World Championship reaches its third day, there is a massive few hours ahead for some teams as they look to give themselves a chance of reaching the quarter-finals and having a shot at the podium.
In Group A, 2017 runners-up Finland will be embroiled in a match which they must win if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals automatically. In Group B, reigning champions Sweden and fourth seed the Czech Republic face off for top spot with one round of games to go there, while Slovakia and Latvia rub shoulders in search of a first win. Elsewhere, fates are yet to be decided in Groups C and D, with Norway one win away from sealing top spot in Group C, while Australia and Singapore could take a huge step toward the playoff round if they win their second match-ups in Group D.
So, what entertaining elements can we expect from today’s games?
Sweden and Czech Republic face off for top spot
Sweden were nigh perfect on Day 1 off the competition as they crushed Slovakia, but this examination against the fourth seeded Czechs is likely to be much tougher after they also enjoyed victory in their opening match with Latvia.
Whichever of these teams comes out on top will move into top spot in Group B with one round of matches left in the group, which will hugely boost their chances of progressing straight to the quarter-finals.
Sofia Joelsson’s goalscoring exploits against Slovakia saw her with player of the match in Sweden’s opening game, but she will have to be at her potent best to beat Czech goalkeeper Jana Christianova, who put in her own MVP display against Latvia. This fascinating clash of attack vs defence will be something sure to excite spectators.
Finland aim to mount recovery against Germany
Finland were brought crashing back to Earth after their opening day heroics when they were blown away by an impressive Switzerland side on Day 2. On Day 3, they will play their final group game knowing that a win will likely be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals automatically.
Their opponents are Germany, who are yet to win after two games and are almost certain to have to contest the playoff round if they are to reach the last eight. A shock win over the Finns would change all that, however, and there would be no better time for star attacker Anna Lena Best to get off the mark after struggling in the opening two defeats.
The Germans can take heart from a stellar performance last time out from goalkeeper Nancy Gatzsch, but she will have to be on top form again with Finland’s Kauppi twins, Mia Karjalainen and forward Jenna Saario all looking to add to their goalscoring haul so far.
Both sides need a win, so a tense game is sure to follow as the fans wait to discover which will deliver on the big occasion.
Slovakia and Latvia clash looking to get off the mark
It is sometimes said that a wounded animal can be the most dangerous type of opponent, and two of them cross swords here as Slovakia and Latvia battle it out after both suffered opening defeats.
A win for either side will be hugely important, as it will preserve their hopes of a top-two place in the group going into the final round of group games. Latvia and potent attacker Anna Ankudinova can consider themselves unlucky not to have scored more against the Czechs in their opening defeat, and will be looking to put that right against a Slovakia side who leaked 23 goals against world champions Sweden. However, the creativity of Slovak forward Denisa Ferencikova is more than capable of hurting the Latvian defence, and they will also need to be on top form to contain her.
It’s a must-win for both teams, and certain to be another pulsating game.
Norway set sights on top spot in Group C
Norway have a 100% record so far with two wins from two group games, and they could wrap up top spot in Group C today with a victory over winless Japan.
Rikke Ingebrigtsli Hansen, who has won many plaudits at this year’s tournament so far, will come up against an experienced Japanese goalkeeper in Miko Yamanaka, but with forward Mahiro Shimizu having announced her presence in Neuchâtel with a hattrick against Estonia, Japan also have more than enough potential to hurt Norway.
Japan can consider themselves unlucky to have slipped to defeat in their second game against Estonia, so despite Norway’s comfortable ride in the group so far, the Japanese are not a side to take lightly and another intriguing contest is on the cards.
Australia and Singapore aiming for the playoff-round
Now to Group D, and Australia and Singapore could seal their places in the playoff round today. If both manage to win their games against Thailand and the USA respectively, both are guaranteed to finish in the top two in the group.
Australia’s Blaise Hodges and Yasmin Skene were on red-hot form against the USA in their opening win, and they will fancy their chances of proving themselves further against the Thais, who suffered an opening defeat to Singapore on Day 2.
Singapore themselves were brilliant in that game, executing a fine comeback with Amanda Yeap and Xuan Yeo among the standouts. But, the Americans have more than enough in their arsenal to cause problems, with Selma Johansson and Christine Lindberg both a thorn in the side of the Aussies in their narrow opening day defeat. This one will be a clash of two talented attacks, with both teams desperate to win for different reasons.
Match schedule 09.12.19
Patinoires du Littoral
10:30 am AUS – THD (D)
1:30 pm SVK – LET (B)
4:30 pm NOR – JPN (C)
7:30 pm SWE – CZE (B)
La Riveraine
3:00 pm USA – SGP (D)
6:00 pm GER – FIN (A)