Finally, the WFC 2022 has started! The first day of the tournament already has offered interesting match-ups full of emotions and an Opening Ceremony with an explosion of colors celebrating the diversity of Floorball.
Germany vs Sweden, 4:19 at the AXA Arena, Winterthur
Reigning champs Sweden struck hard and fast in the opening match in AXA Arena in Winterthur. With a 19-4 victory over Germany, the Swedish team displayed their zeal to keep their reputation, possessing the ball ⅔ of the time, despite daring, creative attempts from the German strategy.
For Sweden, scoring 3 goals each were Albin Sjögren, Kim Nilsson, Alexander Galante Carlström, with solid help from other members to score the remaining half of the goals. Michel Wöcke worked tirelessly to carry 3 of the 4 goals by Germany. Swedish effort and skill overall ensured a win for the champions
Czech Republic vs. Latvia, 6:3 at the Swiss Life Arena, Zürich
Czech Republic and Latvia got the ball rolling in Swiss Life Arena in the first match of the day in Zurich. The Euro Floorball Tour champions of Czechia started on a high note in the Championship, claiming a 6:3 win over their opponents.
Overall, the Czech players dominated on the field. Only in the second period did the Latvians push hard, bringing back the intrigue in the game.
Thanks to a goal scored by Marek Benes in the first minute, the Czech team was off to a flying start in the game. Matej Havlas then contributed with two goals, scoring in the 12th minute, and five minutes later. He finished the first period with one assist to his name as well.
With the second period unfolding, team Latvia got back on track. Klavs Jansons brought back the hope for Latvians, scoring Motivated, Latvia found their way back, and with a goal by Trekse (15’) started breathing down their opponents’ necks.
However, the Czech Republic did not allow any further surprises, and despite the improved performance by their rivals, could maintain their rhythm and seize the win.
Finland vs. Slovakia, 8:1 at the AXA Arena, Winterthur
2020 silver medalists Finland snatched victory in their first match, with a 8-1 triumph over Slovakia. Despite Finland’s stable lead, the Slovaks were hardy to keep a respectable possession of the ball. The Slovaks risked playing with an empty net towards the end, but the risk came short in awarding the needed offence to overcome the formidable Finns. Nico Salo won MVP for his performance on Team Finland, as did Vladimír Bačinský for the Slovaks.
Opening Ceremony
Astonishing the intercontinental crowd at Swiss Life Arena in Zurich was the dazzling Opening Ceremony, which highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of international Floorball. Sweeping fog and iridescent colors dazzled the senses, in a thoughtful, cohesive routine that emphasized the coordination of our team sport (feat. of course, a giant foam Floorball). Included too was a rousing performance of “Gold,” the official WFC song, composed by Winterthur local, Andryy. Certainly a triumph for the senses
Switzerland vs. Norway, 4:4 at the Swiss Life Arena, Zürich
In front of excited Floorball fans, Switzerland and Norway locked horns in the second game of the day in Swiss Life Arena. The two teams turned out to be too strong for each other, finishing in the game with an equal score.
Michael Shiess opened in Switzerland’s favour after a very intense beginning of the match, where the two sides played “a cat and mouse game”. Two minutes later, Claudio Laely scored for the hosts again, securing a positive end of the first period for the home team. Not the same was the case in the second period, as the teams were neck to neck, and finished at 3-3. In a race against time, both Switzerland and Norway gave their best, but none of them could find the missing piece to claim the victory.
Singapore vs. Estonia, 4:12 at the AXA Arena, Winterthur
Estonia proclaimed their dominance over Team Singapore in their first match of the event in a 12:4 trounce. A solid 74% possession encapsulates their victory, but Singapore put up a harrowing fight in the second period, scoring 3 goals to Estonia’s 4, before seeming to expend their energy as Estonina deepened their win with 5 points in the third period. Estonia MVP Tanel Kasenurm scored 2 goals and 2 assists in what was generally a strong all-around effort effort from the team. Ng Juin Jie scored a swift goal and an assist to earn Singapore’s MVP. Zong Wei Tng treated the crowd to a smooth somersault in celebration of a score against their formidable foes in the 3rd period. Ultimately a valiant effort from our intercontinental visitor, but the Estonian zeal proved this time insurmountable
Thailand vs. Canada, 4:9 at the Swiss Life Arena, Zürich
In the last fixture of the day at Swiss Life Arena, Thailand and Canada entertained the Floorball fans, delivering some high class action on the field.
Canada’s Lauri Berg took the bull by the horns, scoring the first goal in the match after an assist by Taylor Walsh. Thailand quickly responded, and only three minutes later (14’) “returned the favour”, equalising the score, led by Pawat Thaidt. The sides exchanged one more goal until the end of the period, with Valtteri Vitakoski of Canada and Simon Johansson of Thailand stealing the show. It was in the second period when the Canadian players pushed harder, and scoring four more goals (compared to two by their opponents) got closer to the victory. Inspired, they completely controlled the action in the last period, scoring three more times to eventually emerge victorious.
