Czech Republic Claims Bronze with Convincing Win Over Latvia

Czech Republic secured the bronze medal at the 2024 World Floorball Championships with a commanding 8-2 victory over Latvia. After falling short in the semifinals against Sweden, the Czechs came out strong to end their tournament on a high note. Latvia, meanwhile, finishes fourth – their best-ever result in WFC history – after an inspiring campaign.

First Period: Czechia Takes Early Control

The game couldn’t have started better for Czechia, as Marek Beneš scored just 26 seconds into the match to set the tone. Mikuláš Krbec doubled the lead at 10:56 with a clinical finish, showcasing the Czechs’ offensive quality.

Latvia, however, showed their resilience. On a powerplay late in the period, Jorens Malkavs found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 2-1, keeping the game within reach as the teams headed into the first intermission.

Czech Republic vs. Latvia (Photo: IFF/Per Wiklund)

Second Period: Czech Experience Shines Through

Ondřej Němeček extended Czechia’s lead early in the second period with a beautiful wrist shot that soared into the top right corner. Yet Latvia refused to back down, responding at 05:54 with Bruno Bekeris scoring to make it 3-2.

Despite Latvia’s determination, the experienced Czech squad continued to press. Beneš scored his second goal of the game, and Josef Rypar coolly converted a penalty shot to give the Czechs a 5-2 lead heading into the final period.

Third Period: Czechia Dominates to Seal Victory

Any hopes of a Latvian comeback were dashed early in the third period. At 2:06, Jiří Besta’s goal made it 6-2, effectively putting the game out of reach. Czechia capitalized again on a powerplay, with Němeček scoring his second of the match to make it 7-2. Milan Melíš added the final flourish at 13:40, completing the 8-2 rout.

Conclusion

After finishing as runners-up in 2022, Czechia claims the bronze medal and further cements their position among the top teams in floorball. Latvia, while disappointed to miss the podium, made history with their fourth-place finish – their best-ever result at a World Floorball Championship.

Daniël Nicolai Member since May 17, 2016

COFOUNDER - Passionate about (playing and watching) floorball. Working on social media and match reports. Always looking for new ideas, improvements and creative ways to spread floorball. You'll read about it!