On Thursday, the World Championship in Prague entered its quarterfinal stage. First, the spectators at the O2 Arena watched Switzerland overcome the brave Norwegians only in overtime. The Czech fans feared something similar, but no worries were necessary in the end as the Czechs routed Denmark. Four more games were played at the Arena Sparta. First came the Asian derby Singapore – Thailand, followed by matches between Poland and Japan, Australia vs. Slovakia, and Canada vs. Estonia.
Singapore – Thailand 3-4 (1-0, 1-3, 1-1)
Arena Sparta was full of young fans at the start of its Thursday’s program and they have created a very solid and loud atmosphere during the Asian battle. Both teams felt the fans’ presence and tried to show their best. That’s why it was a very tight match. Initially, the Singaporeans had the upper hand and went into the lead twiced. But Thailand managed to turn the score around late in the second period thanks to Aphichet Ratanaprathum’s goal with only 8 seconds left before the second break. The Thais then controlled the game, but still they offered a chance for an equalizer to their opponents following a silly mistake. Syazni Ramlee managed to roll the ball over the goalkeeper’s hand and tied the score. But it didn’t take long before the Thais were ahead again, this time for good. The game-winning goal was scored by Pawat Thaidit at 54:01 and Thailand remained in contention for the improvement of their best ever result at the world championships, which is currently the 14th place from the previous WFC in 2016.
Poland – Japan 6-2 (3-0, 1-1, 2-1)
The Poles controlled the ball from the very beginning and kept the Japanese defense on their toes all the time. With their consistent pressure they were gradually increasing their lead. Although the Japanese reduced the gap in the second period, they didn’t disturb their opponents’ dominance. Poland continued in their pressure, controlled the game until the end and deservedly won 6-2.
Australia – Slovakia 3-12 (2-2, 0-4, 1-6)
Slovakia confirmed their role of favorites and crushed Australia 12-3. Nevertheless, it didn’t look like a one-sided affair after the first period, in which the young Liam Perry scored twice and the period ended 2-2. But then the Slovaks opened the throttle and won the game. The MVP for team Slovakia, Martin Kubovič, recorded 4 points (2+2).
Switzerland – Norway 3-2 OT (1-1, 0-0, 1-1 – 1-0)
Already the first quarterfinal match turned into a real drama. Hardly anyone expected that Switzerland might stumble already in this part of the elimination stage, but the reality wasn’t far from that. Following the evenly balanced beginning Switzerland went into the lead, which, however, lasted just under seven minutes. After Bjerknes’ equalizer the Norwegians got into the game and were the better team. In the remaining time, the fans saw only two more goals, one on each side, and the match went into overtime. After just thirty seconds of the extra time, Braillard scored the decider and clinched the semifinal spot for Switzerland.
Canada – Estonia 2-9 (1-4, 1-1, 0-4)
Estonia entered the match as a clear favorite, but Canada resisted long. The Baltic team won the first period relatively easily, but then slowed down the pace and the Canadians sensed their chance. However, the Estonians showed their experience in the end and secured their victory with four goals in the third period. The Canadian Valtteri Viitakoski posted two assists, while the Estonians Ken Pähn (1+2) and Kermo Uue (0+3) recorded three points.
Czech Republic – Denmark 10-1 (3-1, 4-0, 3-0)
The Thursday’s evening program was concluded by the clash between the home team of the Czech Republic and Denmark. In this match, the Prague championship broke the total attendance record of all previous world championships. The Czechs didn’t have a really dominant opening period, but they outclassed their opponents in the second and secured their advancement to the semifinals. Petri Kettunen’s players won the middle period 4-0 thanks to two goals by the Czech captain Matěj Jendrišák, who completed a hat-trick in the third. The Czechs then controlled the game until the very end and with a 10-1 victory they sailed through to the semifinals where they will face the winner of the match between Finland and Germany.
Sweden Pays Finland Back for Final Loss, Czechs Overcome Germany – 1.12.2018
Poland Gets First Two Points after Tough Battle against Thailand – 1.12.2018
Czech Republic Overcomes Initial Nervousness and Comfortably Beats Germany – 1.12.2018
New Men´s WFC opening day spectator records! – 1.12.2018
Estonia Downs Australia to Get First Tournament Win – 1.12.2018
Sweden Celebrates Nordic Derby Triumph after Nerve-Racking Third Period – 1.12.2018
Slovakia Outplays Canada in First Game of Group D – 1.12.2018
Switzerland Defeats Latvia in the Opening Game Thanks to Quick Turn in Score – 1.12.2018
DAY 1: The Floorball Feast is Here. Czechs to Start against Germany – 1.12.2018
Team Thailand Spent Three Weeks In Czechia – 30.11.2018
History: WFC 2016 - Scandiavian Drama for Finland – 29.11.2018
History: WFC 2014 - New Attendance Record – 28.11.2018
History: WFC 2012 - The Swedes Back on Top – 28.11.2018
Press Conference: Main Goals, Media Coverage and Fanzones – 28.11.2018
History: WFC 2010 - Back-To-Back Titles for Finland – 27.11.2018
History: WFC 2008 - Finland, The New Champion – 27.11.2018
WFC 2018 TV matches & Streaming – 27.11.2018
WFC 2018 Team Presentations - Group D – 27.11.2018
History: WFC 2006 - Double Golden Hattrick for Team Sweden – 26.11.2018
History: WFC 2004 - Hofbauer Exceeds The Rest – 26.11.2018