The World Games knows its next participant: the Czech Republic will join the tournament in 2025 in China after beating Slovakia! In a one-sided quarterfinal at the 2024 World Floorball Championships in Malmö, the Czech Republic stormed past Slovakia with a resounding 9-1 victory.
From the opening minute, the Czechs displayed their class, leaving little doubt about the game’s outcome. Despite enthusiastic support from Slovakian fans in the stands, the Slovak team struggled to match their opponents’ intensity and precision. With this victory, the Czechs secured their spot in The World Games.
First Period: Czech Blitz Leaves Slovakia Reeling
The Czech Republic wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just one minute in, Ondřej Němeček opened the scoring, assisted by Marek Beneš. This was quickly followed by Jiří Besta’s strike, set up by Matěj Jendrišák, at 2:11. Besta struck again at 7:56, this time assisted by Tomáš Hanák, to make it 3-0.
Hanák then added two goals of his own (15:20 and 18:03), both assisted by Besta, showcasing a deadly attacking partnership. Marek Beneš rounded off the first-period scoring at 18:53 with an assist from Adam Hemerka, giving Czechia a commanding 6-0 lead. With 14 shots to Slovakia’s three, the game already seemed decided by the first intermission.
Second Period: Czech Control and One More Goal
The second period saw Slovakia attempting to regroup, but Czechia’s organized defense and patient build-up play stifled their efforts. After a goalless stretch, Filip Forman extended the lead to 7-0 at 4:30, finishing a free-hit opportunity with a crisp pass from Martin Tokoš.
While Slovakia improved slightly, registering five shots in the period compared to Czechia’s nine, they could not find the back of the net. Fatigue likely played a role, as Slovakia had played the day before, while the Czechs enjoyed an extra day of rest.
Third Period: Czechia Completes the Rout
The final period saw the Czech Republic add two more goals to their tally. Filip Zakonov scored at 13:40, assisted by Jendrišák, bringing the score to 8-0. Moments later, Jendrišák found himself unmarked in front of the Slovakian goal and made it 9-0, capitalizing on a misjudged free-hit situation.
Slovakia finally broke through near the end of the game, with Peter Nehila scoring their lone goal. It was little more than a consolation in a game thoroughly dominated by Czechia.
Match Statistics and Outlook
- Final Score: Czech Republic 9, Slovakia 1
- Shots: Czech Republic 35, Slovakia 15
- Referees: Thomas Andersson and Rickard Wissman (Sweden)
With this emphatic win, the Czech Republic advances to the semifinals, where they will face reigning champions Sweden in a highly anticipated clash on Saturday. Slovakia, meanwhile, will compete against Germany in the battle for fifth place.
The Czechs’ clinical finishing and structured play make them a formidable contender, while Slovakia will aim to bounce back and end their tournament on a high note.
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel