Sweden Claim 9th Straight Gold at the Women's World Floorball Championship

Photo: Sweden Celebrates / International Floorball Federation Facebook - @engchinan

 

The floorball world witnessed yet another Swedish masterclass in the final of the Women’s World Floorball Championships 2023 as they extended their dominance with their ninth straight gold and 11th overall win. On the other end, it was deja-vu for Team Finland, falling short at the Singapore Indoor Stadium despite a spirited fightback, to finish as runners-up with a final score of 6-4.

 

Team Sweden raced out of the blocks, taking the lead within 30 seconds, and continued their relentless offensive strategy that saw them net five more goals in the first period to head into the break with a commanding 6-0 lead. But a setback soon followed for the defending-champions when forward Ellen Rasmussen sustained an injury in the 28th minute, initiating a late resurgence from Finland, led by their captain and the IFF Golden Shoe ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP), Veera Kauppi. In true champion fashion, Sweden managed to hold on to their lead, securing the championship title to the delight of their supporters among the 3,971 spectators in attendance.

 

The final day of the championships also showcased some thrilling battles and intense competitions all the way down to the play-offs. The Czech Republic triumphed in the battle for bronze against 2005 champions Switzerland, clinching a 5-4 win to secure a top three finish. In doing so, matching their best WFC result they achieved back in 2011. Earlier in the day Slovakia claimed a fifth place finish with their 7-4 win over Poland, while Latvia secured seventh in an epic 6-4 comeback victory over Team Denmark, all thanks to Simona Grapena’s hat-trick on the night.

Photo: Singapore vs France / Sport Singapore

 

The 14th edition of the Women’s WFC is only the second time this event has been held outside of Europe – Singapore being the only nation to hold that honour twice, with the first coming back in 2005. While the dream was to better their showing in this year’s World Floorball Championships, the host nation narrowly missed out on a top 10 finish. after they concluded their campaign with a 13-1 defeat at the hands of Norway in the 11th-place play-off.

 

After kicking off the tournament on a high with back-to-back wins at the OCBC Arena, their loss against Germany saw them finish second in their group. Defeats again to Slovakia and Japan in the play-offs, before falling at the hands of Norway, meant that they had to settle for 12th place, matching their previous best showing at the WFC.

And while the hosts ended their campaign on Saturday from the adoration of filled a Singapore Indoor Stadium, in front of family, friends and fans, the day was a slightly bittersweet one. Having walked out on court for the last time, Amanda Yeap and Yee Yun Shawn both announced their retirement from the Singapore Women’s National Floorball team, with 67 and 50 International caps to their names respectively.