World Games 2025 Women’s Floorball Semifinal 1
Sweden 3 – Czechia 1
Chengdu, China – Monday, August 11, 2025
Sweden secured their place in the World Games Women’s floorball final with a 3-1 victory over Czechia in a hard-fought semifinal encounter at the Chengdu venue. Playing in front of 1,200 spectators, the Swedes overcame early pressure to control the match and book their spot in the championship game.
Match Summary
The game began with end-to-end action as both teams settled into the unique World Games format of three 15-minute periods. Sweden struck first through Ida Sundberg at 3:21, with assist from Wilma Johansson, but Czechia responded quickly. Just 25 seconds later, Karolina Liskovcova leveled the score at 1-1 with help from Vanessa Rebecca Keprtova, ensuring a tense finish to the opening period.
The second period proved pivotal for Sweden’s victory. Maja Viström restored their lead at 26:15 with another assist from the influential Johansson, putting Sweden 2-1 ahead heading into the final period.
Sweden sealed the victory in the third period when Mira Markström capitalized on a power play opportunity at 40:54, assisted by Ellen Rasmussen, to make it 3-1 and effectively end Czechia’s resistance.
Key Incidents
The match was marked by several disciplinary issues, particularly affecting Czechia. Vanessa Rebecca Keprtova received a 2-minute penalty for repeated offenses at 29:36, while Michaela Kubeckova was penalized more severely with a 2+2 minute penalty for reckless physical play at 35:00. Ellen Rasmussen of Sweden also received a 2-minute penalty for hitting at 40:54.
Match Officials
The game was officiated by Swiss referees Erik Hasselberg and Christian Friemel, who managed a physical encounter that saw multiple penalties and maintained control throughout the 45 minutes of play.
Tournament Context
This marks the first time women’s floorball has been featured at The World Games, with the tournament utilizing the modified format of three 15-minute periods instead of the standard 20-minute periods. Sweden’s victory puts them one step closer to claiming the inaugural women’s floorball gold medal at The World Games.
World Games 2025 Men’s Floorball Semifinal 1
Sweden 5 – Czechia 4 (Overtime)
Chengdu, China – Monday, August 11, 2025
Sweden survived a thrilling overtime battle to defeat Czechia 5-4 in the first men’s floorball semifinal at The World Games 2025. In front of 1,431 spectators, the dramatic encounter required extra time to separate two evenly matched teams, with Sweden ultimately booking their place in the championship game.
Match Summary
The contest began with Sweden taking an early lead through Filip Eriksson at 2:23, assisted by Holmgren. However, Czechia quickly responded in the first period when Filip Zakonov equalized at 5:45 with help from Marek Benes, sending the teams into the first break level at 1-1.
Sweden regained control in the second period with goals from Oskar Hovlund (22:20, assisted by Malte Lundmark) and Jakub Bursik (28:52, assisted by Adam Zubek) to establish a 2-1 advantage heading into the final period.
The third period delivered high drama as both teams traded goals in a frantic finish. Sweden extended their lead through Oskar Weissbach (38:33, assisted by Albin Sjögren) and Sakarias Ulriksson (40:46, assisted by Lundmark) to seemingly take control at 4-2.
But Czechia mounted a remarkable comeback in the dying minutes. Marek Benes struck at 41:14 to make it 4-3, before captain Ondrej Nemecek completed the dramatic comeback with an equalizer at 42:46, assisted by Benes, forcing overtime with the score tied 4-4.
Overtime Drama
The extra period lasted just over seven minutes before Sweden’s captain Niklas Ramirez emerged as the hero, scoring the sudden-death winner at 50:20 with an assist from Lundmark to send Sweden to the final with a 5-4 victory.
Key Moments
The match featured several momentum swings, with Czechia calling a crucial timeout at 40:46 when trailing 4-2. This tactical break seemed to galvanize the Czech team, leading to their dramatic two-goal comeback that forced overtime.
Match Officials
Finnish referees Thomas Ellis and Janne Sjögren officiated the entertaining encounter, managing a fast-paced game that showcased the best of international floorball competition.
Tournament Context
This semifinal highlighted the competitive balance in men’s floorball at The World Games, with both teams demonstrating the high skill level and intensity that has made the sport’s inclusion at the Games such a success. The three 15-minute period format created an action-packed spectacle that kept the 1,431 spectators on the edge of their seats.
Sweden’s victory sets up what promises to be another thrilling encounter in the men’s floorball final, as they seek to claim the inaugural men’s floorball gold medal at The World Games.
World Games 2025 Women’s Floorball Semifinal 2
Finland 5 – Switzerland 1
Chengdu, China – Monday, August 11, 2025
Finland dominated Switzerland 5-1 in the second women’s floorball semifinal at The World Games 2025, setting up a Scandinavian showdown with Sweden in the final. The Finnish team controlled the match from start to finish in front of 1,028 spectators, displaying clinical finishing and defensive solidity to secure their place in the championship game.
Match Summary
Finland established their dominance early in the first period when Veera Kauppi opened the scoring at 13:07 with an assist from Alma Laitila. This early goal set the tone for what would become a comprehensive Finnish victory.
The second period saw Finland double their advantage as Oona Kauppi struck twice within nine minutes. Her first goal came at 20:44, assisted by Daniela Westerlund, before she added her second at 29:44 with help from Laitila, giving Finland a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the final period.
Finland continued their relentless pressure in the third period, with Jenna Saario extending the lead to 4-0 at 33:41, assisted by Emilia Pietilä. The match was effectively over as a contest at this point, despite Switzerland’s determined efforts.
Late Drama
Switzerland finally found the back of the net through Sofia Mittentag with an empty net goal at 39:02, giving the Swiss supporters something to cheer about. However, Finland had the final word when Anja Wyss completed the scoring at 44:05, assisted by Fitzi, to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
Disciplinary Issues
The match saw some tension in the third period when Switzerland’s Doris Berger received a 2-minute penalty for repeated offenses at 35:10, highlighting the frustration building in the Swiss team as they struggled to contain Finland’s attacking threat.
Match Officials
Swedish referees Glenn Boström and Håkan Söderman officiated the encounter, maintaining control throughout the 44-minute contest despite some late-game tensions as Switzerland’s frustrations mounted.
Key Performers
Oona Kauppi emerged as the standout performer for Finland with her two-goal performance, while the Kauppi sisters (Veera and Oona) combined effectively to spearhead Finland’s attack. Laitila was also influential, providing assists for two of Finland’s goals.
Tournament Context
Finland’s dominant performance sets up a highly anticipated all-Scandinavian final against Sweden, who defeated Czechia 3-1 in the first semifinal. Both Nordic nations will compete for the inaugural women’s floorball gold medal at The World Games, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
The comprehensive nature of Finland’s victory demonstrates their readiness for the final showdown and establishes them as strong contenders for the historic first World Games women’s floorball championship.
World Games 2025 Men’s Floorball Semifinal 2
Finland 4 – Switzerland 0
Chengdu, China – Monday, August 11, 2025
Finland delivered a masterclass performance to shut out Switzerland 4-0 in the second men’s floorball semifinal at The World Games 2025. Playing in front of 1,408 spectators, the Finnish team dominated from start to finish to secure their place in the final against Sweden, setting up an all-Scandinavian championship clash.
Match Summary
The opening period remained scoreless as both teams felt each other out, with Finland gradually asserting their dominance. The breakthrough came early in the second period when Eemeli Akola opened the scoring at 20:13, assisted by Waltteri Vesterinen, giving Finland the crucial first goal.
Finland doubled their advantage just over three minutes later when Vesterinen turned from provider to scorer, netting at 23:43 with an assist from Hyvärinen to give Finland a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the final period.
The third period saw Finland pull away decisively. Eemeli Salin extended the lead to 3-0 at 42:23 with help from Sami Johansson, effectively ending Swiss hopes of a comeback. Switzerland called a timeout at 44:31 in a desperate attempt to rally, but Finland had the final word.
Clinical Finish
With Switzerland pulling their goalkeeper for an extra attacker in the dying moments, Finland capitalized on the empty net as Sami Johansson completed the scoring at 44:38, assisted by Makinen, to seal a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
Disciplinary Issues
The match saw one significant penalty when Finland’s Juho Repo received a 2-minute penalty for hitting at 34:45, but Switzerland was unable to capitalize on the power play opportunity.
Match Officials
Czech referees Tomas Kostinek and Martin Reichelt officiated the semifinal, managing a disciplined encounter that saw Finland control the tempo throughout the contest.
Defensive Excellence
Finland’s defensive unit deserves particular credit for the clean sheet, successfully neutralizing Switzerland’s attacking threats and providing a solid foundation for their forwards to build upon. The shutout victory demonstrated Finland’s tactical discipline and organizational strength.
Tournament Context
Finland’s emphatic victory sets up a dream final between the two Scandinavian powerhouses – Finland and Sweden. Both teams advanced with contrasting styles, with Sweden surviving a thrilling 5-4 overtime battle against Czechia, while Finland dominated both of their playoff matches.
The all-Nordic final promises to be a showcase of the highest level of international floorball, as both teams compete for the inaugural men’s floorball gold medal at The World Games. Finland’s commanding semifinal performance establishes them as confident contenders heading into the final.