TERRIFIC FIGHT BY AUSTRALIA TO BOOK A PLACE IN THE FINAL

Australia celebrated its first semi final match in the World Floorball Championships by fighting off a confident German side and winning a place in the gold medal match on Friday night. And what a match, with 52 minutes between the first and second goals! Germany and Australia were well matched in size and strength and have had some titanic struggles in the past, but it was Australia that would this time reign supreme with a superb display of teamwork and dogged determination. Not to downplay the floorball effort though, as the defence worked wonderfully again and the opening moves, passing and forward efforts were also first class.

The first period began as expected, with both teams holding on to possession and assessing their opponents. It wasn’t long though, that the attacking moves came and after 6 minutes, Fiona Wainwright slotted a lovely pass from Jessi Laidler to put Australia on the scoreboard. 1-0. Australia was awarded a penalty shot after 13 minutes and Stacey Wallace stepped up to take it. She beat the German goalkeeper over her shoulder, but unfortunately beat the crossbar as well and the Aussies had to be content with 1-0 at the first break.

In fact, that is how the scoreline would stay for the next 52 minutes in a battle of almost epic proportions. The second period produced no goals and very few shots that got past either defence. Everyone watching were on the edge of their seats just waiting for the breakthrough from either side.

In the third period, after 15 minutes, the Germans took a time out on their defensive free hit. When the took the court again after the allotted 30 seconds, there were 6 court players and no goalie. They were determined to wrestle the game back from the Australians. 3 minutes of 5 on 6 went by with little impact by the Germans in the Australian half, the girls were holding them out brilliantly. Stacey Wallace made a fantastic tackle on the German centre, knocked the ball clear and Jill Roberts was able to take clean possession and pass to Aussie forward, Jemima Kanerva, who carefully split 2 German defenders with a shot into the empty net. 2-0 with 90 seconds remaining.

The bench and Aussie supporters were ecstatic! They had done it, but were quickly reminded that 90 seconds was a long time in floorball with the Germans finally breaking through just 40 seconds later with an important goal. It was time to bite what was left of the fingernails again as it was clear that this match was far from over. 3 seconds to go and the referee calls a penalty and the Australians initially thought Jessi Laidler had been penalised for playing on the floor. But no, it was a penalty shot for Australia! Nicole Allsopp took the court to attempt the decisive blow. However, she caught the goalkeeper and the ball rolled away clear. Face off in the corner, 3 seconds to go… it should be enough, but noone was willing to jump up shout until the final whistle sounded.

The result, 2-1 and Australia have a berth in the final in the ABB Arena on Friday night. What a fantastic match, a low scoring but highly exciting and nerve wracking affair. A classic encounter and the Aussie Angels started to realise what they have achieved by winning this match. After congratulating the German side and the referees, officials and supporters, the whole team gathered together in the middle of the court, many with tears in their eyes. They have done it, they have made the FINAL at the WFCs.

It was an absolute cracker of a match, despite the low score, and a real display of teamwork and spirit and every single Aussie out there today fought to the very end for every one of her teammates on the court. A truly marvellous effort that.

Final score: Australia 2 defeated Germany 1 (1-0, 0-0, 1-1) [Fiona Wainwright 1+0, Jemima Kanerva 1+0 and Jessica Laidler 0+1]

Player of the Match AUSTRALIA – Narelle Roediger

Kevan Lyons - Team Manager

Following the game the team enjoyed a well deserved team dinner. This picture was taken just prior...