By: Nicole Parallag
The Philippines started its campaign at the IFF Men’s World Floorball Championships 2024 with mixed results, clinching a dominant opening-day victory on Sunday before suffering a heartbreaking defeat on Monday at the Baltic Hall in Malmö, Sweden.
In their first match, Simon Andersson led the Nationals with a hat trick, securing a commanding 6-2 win against Australia.
This victory marked the team’s second-ever win in the Group Phase of the World Championships, following their 9-4 debut triumph over Singapore in the 2020 edition.
Andersson played a pivotal role in the win, scoring the equalizer in the 30th minute and adding two crucial goals in the final period. His first goal came just two minutes into the third period, assisted by team captain Lucas Oijvall Perez. He then sealed the victory in the 47th minute.
“Well, you should never underestimate Australia, and we knew that from the start. It was the nerves in the first period that put us in a 0-2 disadvantage,” said Andersson, who plays for Astorp/Kvidinge in Sweden.
Australia initially took the lead when David Noney scored in the ninth minute with an assist from Christian Newland.
A penalty against Philippine goalkeeper Patrik Nessbo allowed Liam Perry to convert on a power play, doubling Australia’s lead by the end of the first period.
Melvin Alm Mendoza sparked the Philippine comeback just a minute into the second period, cutting the deficit to 1-2.
Andersson’s equalizer followed, and the Nationals never looked back.
Rhodell Esguerra put the Philippines ahead in the 37th minute, while Simon Laraño added another goal in the 43rd minute.
“But as we always say, you win games in the last period, not the first. The hat trick felt amazing with friends and family watching from the stands. It was a really incredible feeling,” Andersson added.
The momentum faltered in their second match, as the Philippines narrowly lost to world No. 9 Estonia, 6-5, in a closely contested game.
Kim Varga shone for the Nationals, scoring twice and assisting once in the second period to keep the game within reach. However, a crucial penalty call against Varga in the final period shifted the tide in favor of Estonia.
Ken Pahn scored the winning goal off the ensuing power play with less than ten minutes left on the clock.
“I feel a bit prouder that we kept our fight in the game despite losing 0-2 at the start,” said Varga.
“We just tried to recover from yesterday’s game, and we didn’t realize that we’ll have just a short time on the floor. So, we just prepared mentally for this game. We have met Estonia before, and we know that it’s going to be a hard match, so we kept it close and hoped for the best,” he added.
Estonia opened the scoring with Pahn taking advantage of a power play, followed by a goal from Rickard Rydell for a 2-0 lead midway through the first period.
John Callenryd Dela Peña responded for the Philippines with a goal in the 17th minute, but Estonia’s Alexander Dahlberg restored their two-goal cushion moments later, ending the first period at 3-1.
The second period was a high-scoring affair, with both teams exchanging goals.
Simon Laraño narrowed the gap with an assist from Varga, but Leon Schweiger quickly answered for Estonia.
Varga then netted twice, first on a fast break in the 33rd minute and again off a rebound in the 37th.
Egert Unga scored between Varga’s goals, maintaining Estonia’s lead heading into the final period.
Lucas Werelius tied the game at 5-5 in the 46th minute, assisted by Ludvig Hemmingberg Porral. However, Varga’s tripping penalty proved costly, as Estonia capitalized with Pahn’s decisive goal.
Estonia secured their playoff spot with a perfect 3-0 record and a +9 goal difference.
Meanwhile, the Philippines are 1-0-1 record and a +3 goal difference in the group stage with one game left.
The Nationals face Canada next in a must-win game on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (Manila time). A win or draw would secure their first-ever playoff appearance in the Floorball World Championships, marking a significant milestone for Philippine floorball.
