Latvia has achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the semifinals of the Floorball World Championship for the first time ever. In a thrilling quarterfinal match against Switzerland, Latvia emerged victorious 4-3 after overtime, securing their place in the top four of the tournament.
The dramatic win marks a new chapter for Latvian floorball, a sport where they have consistently been among the top contenders but had never before broken into the semifinal stage. Furthermore: by reaching the semifinals, Latvia got a ticket to The World Games 2025 in China!
A Match to Remember
The game began with a strong showing from Latvia in the first period. Janis Ragovskis opened the scoring at 8:19, assisted by Rolands Kovalevskis, giving Latvia an early lead. Gustavs Griezitis doubled the advantage at 16:00 with help from Krisjanis Tiltins, putting Switzerland under pressure. Switzerland managed to respond before the end of the period with Marco Louis scoring on a rebound shot, assisted by Claudio Mutter, at 16:53. The first period ended 2-1 in favor of Latvia, with both teams closely matched in shots on goal—six for Latvia and five for Switzerland.
Switzerland turned the tide in the second period, with more possession and doubling their goal tally. Andrin Hollenstein leveled the game at 2-2 just 2:49 into the period, assisted by Jan Zaugg. Marco Louis scored his second goal of the game at 12:21, again with an assist from Zaugg, to give Switzerland their first lead at 3-2. Latvia managed only four shots compared to Switzerland’s nine, as the Swiss seemed poised to control the match.
The third period was more balanced, a period in which Switzerland was unable to create a comfortable lead and finish the game. At 12:32, Peteris Trekse equalized for Latvia, with Markuss Dumpis providing the assist. Both teams showed defensive resilience, with Switzerland unable to register a single shot on goal in the final period. Latvia took three shots but could not break the deadlock, sending the match into overtime.
Kovalevskis the Hero in Overtime
In overtime, Latvia seized their historic moment. Just over two minutes into the extra period, Rolands Kovalevskis scored the game-winning goal, assisted by #17 Malvavs. The bench erupted in celebration as Latvia’s dream of reaching the semifinals became a reality.
A Historic Achievement
This victory marks a turning point for Latvian floorball, which had previously never placed higher than fifth in the World Championship. Over the years, Latvia has consistently finished in fifth place—seven times in total—but the semifinal stage had always been elusive.
Latvia’s past World Championship placements:
- 2022: 5th
- 2020: 5th
- 2018: 5th
- 2016: 10th
- 2014: 5th
With this victory, Latvia joins the sport’s elite, demonstrating the growth and potential of their floorball program. The team will now face a formidable opponent in the semifinals, but regardless of the outcome, this historic achievement has already cemented their legacy.
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