The opening day of the World Championship is over. It didn’t bring any surprise results, but at certain points they weren’t very far. We are speaking mainly about the Czech national team that had a very tough job with Germany for almost two periods. Switzerland had a similar opening match of the tournament too, but they also managed to win three points in the end after beating Latvia.
Switzerland – Latvia 7-3 (2-3, 2-0, 3-0)
The Latvians’ doggedness caused big trouble to the favorites, especially in the first period. After all, at one moment the Swiss players were two goals down. But their experience and, above all, patience helped them cope with the situation. Accompanied by the ringing of the typical local bells they comfortably led the game to victory.
Canada – Slovakia 3-12 (0-5, 0-4, 3-3)
A much tighter battle was expected in the first match at the Arena Sparta than it actually was Slovakia played brisk and effective floorball that set the character of the game and quickly went into a big lead, which the Canadians didn’t manage to close. They only slightly reduced the gap in the third period and lost 3-12 in the end.
Finland – Sweden 4-5 (1-1, 3-1, 0-3)
The replay of the last world championship final offered a thrilling spectacle with a very interesting storyline. The Tre Kronor players set the pace of the match from the start and deservedly went into the first lead. But from the middle of the second period, with the score at 2-1 for Sweden, the course of the game completely changed. The Finns scored three goals from quick breakaways and suddenly the score was 4-2. But the Swedes patiently kept besieging the Finnish goal and again turned the score around in their favor. A video contributed to this as well, confirming the third Swedish goal.
Australia – Estonia 5-11 (1-3, 3-6, 1-2)
The great Australian fans tirelessly cheered for their players and expected a tight battle. And they saw it, but not throughout the whole match. Early in the second period, following the first hat-trick of the tournament by the Australian Daniel Gartner, the score was still tied. But the Estonians dominated the rest of the match, scoring several quick goals to win their first three points.
Germany – Czech Republic 5-10 (2-1, 1-4, 2-5)
The match of the day between the Czech Republic and Germany was hosted by the O2 Arena and it attracted 12,326 spectators, who saw a thrilling spectacle. The Germans had no mercy with the nervous Czechs, who made many mistakes, especially in the opening period. Only in the second part, the increasing self-confidence helped the Czechs score a few goals and they started taking over the initiative. Also thanks to Adam Delong’s hat-trick they grabbed the three points after winning 10-5.
Poland – Thailand 5-2 (1-0, 2-0, 2-2)
The today’s program was closed by the game between Poland and Thailand at the Arena Sparta. A close match was expected as the Europeans won 5-4 at the last championship. And the expectations proved to be correct, although this time the Thais scored only twice. But still they were loudly appreciated by their excellent fans, who were all smiles despite the loss.
DAY 4: Group Stage Culminating, Czech Republic to Face Switzerland – 4.12.2018
Germany Saves Czechs by Beating Latvia, Nordic Powers Post Convincing Wins – 4.12.2018
Sweden Dominates Norway to Get Easy 9-1 Win – 3.12.2018
Estonia Beats Thailand 11-4 to End Group Stage Unbeaten – 3.12.2018
Great First Period Secures First Victory for Finland – 3.12.2018
Great Defense Gives Australia First Tournament Win over Poland – 3.12.2018
Data Analysis: Latvia vs Czech Republic 4:3 – 3.12.2018
Impressive Third Period Pushes Germany to First Win in Prague – 3.12.2018
Zubir‘s Two Goals Help Singapore Beat Japan in Front of 6,341 Spectators – 3.12.2018
Data Analysis: Finland vs Sweden 4:5 – 3.12.2018
DAY 3: Program Starts with Asian Battle, Fans to See Two Nordic Derbies – 3.12.2018
Latvia Stuns the Hosts, Slovakia and Switzerland on Scoring Surge – 3.12.2018
Estonia Wins Evening Thriller in Arena Sparta – 2.12.2018
First Tournament Surprise as Latvia Beats Czech Republic 4-3 – 2.12.2018
Battle between Canada and Singapore Ends in First Tournament Draw – 2.12.2018
Switzerland Outclasses Germany 13-1, Känzig Scores Four Goals – 2.12.2018
Japan Enters Tournament with 1-15 Loss against Slovakia – 2.12.2018
Norway Turns Score to Get First Tournament Win – 2.12.2018
Data Analysis: Germany vs Czech Republic 5:10 – 2.12.2018
DAY 2: Twelve Teams in Action, Czechs to Face Latvia – 2.12.2018