The group stage came to an epic end on Day 4 of the #WFC2022 with Switzerland claiming the top of the group in front of a sold-out AXA Arena in Winterthur. We have all you need to know right here in our daily summary!
Denmark vs. Philippines, 14:3 at the AXA Arena, Winterthur
Denmark is victorious over the Philippines with a distance of eleven points. The Danes started off strong, scoring seven goals in the first period. While Philippines withstood the onslaught from this strong team as best they could, improving on defence, they lost offensive endurance throughout the game and their scores decreased from two each period. MVP Axel Rasmussen was dauntless in scoring five goals for Denmark, and Kim Varga Franz’s two vital assists ensured that the Philippine team was not without counterattack. With this drastic victory, Denmark ascends to the quarter-finalist playoffs.
Estonia vs. Thailand, 16:4 at the Swiss Life Arena, Zürich
A real “goleada” took place on the Tuesday morning in Swiss Life Arena as Estonia met Thailand in their last game of the group stage in Pool C. The Estonians, who had two wins before today’s encounter, stormed in the match, leaving no doubts over who was the better team. Although they didn’t start in the best possible way in the first period (0-2), with the match unfolding, the players guided by head coach Risto Lall speeded up, taking control over the action on the field and scoring as many as nine goals in a row towards the end of the game. Kaspar Kallion of the winners team took the MVP award, contributing with two goals. For Thailand, Veerasak Pimpa was acknowledged as Best player of his team.
Poland vs. Australia, 4:3 at the AXA Arena, Winterthur
Poland battled to a tumultuous win against Australia. At first Poland scored two to nil, then having a reversal by Australia in the second period, and finally Poland catapulted to the win by scoring two goals in the last period. Polish brothers Lukas (MVP) and Alexander Dahlstrom assisted each other in three of Poland’s goals in a show that highlighted the rhythm of these brothers. Australia proved a powerhouse in period two, with Aussie MVP Daniel Gartner severe in his well-aimed strikes, helped along by his twin Thomas Gartner. But it ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome the onslaught of Polish offence in the third period in what was a stirring game.
Canada vs. Singapore, 8:4 at the Swiss Life Arena, Zürich
With a win in their last match of the group phase, Canada secured the second place in Pool C, and will battle it out for a place at the quarter-finals. On Tuesday, the players of Otto Moilanen showed more precision to the detail in the deciding moments of the game.
Off to a good start in the match, the North Americans scored in the 2nd minute. Taking this early lead helped them to establish their rhythm, and although there were moments in the match when Singapore was close, Canada never lost the leadership position. Valtteri Viitakoski shone bright, scoring three times. The MVP award went in the hands of Tristan Walsch who recorded two assist. For Singapore, who finish last in the pool and will play in the placement matches, Vignesa Pasupathy was one of the leaders on the court (one goal).
Slovakia vs. Switzerland, 3:9 at the AXA Arena, Winterthur
Switzerland’s smash of Slovakia led a sea of white crosses to glisten in AXA Arena as the Swiss flags held by the audience never halted in their 3:9 victory. Swiss MVP Claudio Laely scored two graceful goals, as did Patrick Andreas Mendelin, with the remainder of the nine being shared in singles by the strong Swiss offence. Slovak MVP Michal Pažák scored a goal and a vital assist to bolster his team’s score, but it was ultimately not enough to overcome the crowd-bolstered Swiss, who have been on a roll in their home arenas so far.
Norway vs. Finland, 2:7 at the Swiss Life Arena, Zürich
Finland proved too strong for the inspired team of Norway, clinching a 7:2 victory, that sends them directly to the quarter-finals. After struggling in the first period with the good Norwegian defence, the Finns delivered an avalanche of goals in the second one, taking control over the ball. Having lost their rhythm of play, Norway couldn’t get back on track despite their efforts. Statistically, Finland proved better on almost all counts – 25 shots on target (to 16), 20 blocked (to 19), 37% precision (to 32%), 60% to 40%. Norway were better only on the saves -18 to 14. Finland’s Justus Kainulainen (one goal) was chosen for MVP of his team, while for Norway Marius Pedersen was named Most Valuable Player.
