Photo Marion Rachlinger
By Gerold Rachlinger
Disappointed Czechs, Dominant Finns: Day 8 of the Floorball World Championship 2024
The penultimate day of the World Floorball Championship 2024 in Malmö brought excitement, heartbreak, and decisive victories. Sweden and Finland booked their spots in the final with commanding performances, while other teams fought hard to secure their final placements.
Here’s a recap of the action-packed Day 8:
Switzerland - Norway 6:0: Swiss dominance fuels fan celebrations
Switzerland delivered a commanding performance against Norway, with their passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere. From the first whistle, the Swiss controlled the game, quickly taking the lead and steadily increasing the margin.
Noah Siegenthaler’s opening goal set the tone, followed by stellar efforts from Jan Zaugg and Pascal Schmuki. Despite Norway’s determined efforts, they struggled to find answers against Switzerland’s precision and discipline.
The 6-0 victory sends Switzerland to the 5th-place playoff, leaving Norway to face Germany for 7th place.
Slovakia - Germany 4:1: German hopes dashed
In the battle for a spot in the 5th-place playoff, Slovakia proved too strong for Germany. The game began evenly, with both teams creating chances, but Slovakia took the lead with a confident penalty shot from Matus Gajdos.
Despite a spirited fightback from Germany, who scored after Slovakia’s shorthanded goal in the second period, the Slovak team maintained control. Late goals extended their lead, ensuring a 4-1 win. Slovakia will now face Switzerland for 5th place, while Germany prepares to take on Norway.
Sweden - Czechia 6:1: Czech dreams of the final shattered
Sweden, playing in front of a home crowd, delivered a dominant performance against Czechia in the semifinals. Early goals from Malte Lundmark and Hampus Ahrén gave Sweden a commanding lead, while their disciplined defense stifled Czechia’s usually potent attack.
Czechia’s power play opportunities went unconverted, and Sweden capitalized on every chance to extend their lead. By the final whistle, Sweden had sealed a convincing 6-1 victory, ensuring their place in the championship game. Czechia will now face Latvia in the bronze medal match.
Finland - Latvia 7:2: Finnish precision overwhelms resilient Latvians
Latvia entered their first-ever semifinal determined to challenge the tournament’s heavyweights, but Finland’s clinical finishing proved decisive. The first period ended goalless, with Latvia defending resolutely and counterattacking dangerously.
In the second period, Finland unleashed a stunning offensive display, scoring five goals in just ten minutes. Despite Latvia’s efforts, they could not recover, and Finland added two more goals in the final period. Latvia’s two late goals showcased their fighting spirit, but the 7-2 scoreline highlighted Finland’s dominance.
Latvia will now fight for bronze against Czechia, while Finland advances to the final.
A Classic Final Awaits: Sweden vs. Finland
The World Championship final is set to be a floorball classic, as Sweden and Finland face off in a battle for gold. The game will take place tomorrow at 15:50, while Czechia and Latvia will compete for bronze at 12:50.
Stay tuned for all the action and witness history in the making!
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