The national floorball team loses its second group game at the World Championships in Malmö. The rejuvenated Swiss team suffered a 2:5 defeat against the tournament co-favorites, the Czech Republic.
The Swiss were able to keep the game open for two thirds against the favored Czechs, who dominated the game for long stretches. The difference was ultimately made by the Czech Republic's top-class line-up, which was responsible for all five goals scored by the winning team.
"It certainly wasn't our best game. Some things were good, but we can do better, we still have room for improvement," said Noël Seiler, who scored in the 58th minute to make it 2:4. "If we meet the Czech Republic again in the tournament, we'll have to get a better grip on their top line," said the captain. They could meet again in the final or in the match for third place. For once, Switzerland are the underdogs in the designated four-way battle for the medals.
Stefan Hutzli, who had already scored twice in the opening win against Germany, scored the second Swiss goal to make it 1:1 in the middle period. For the Czechs, the congenial wingers Matej Havlas and Marek Benes scored four points each.
Switzerland can still qualify directly for the quarter-finals with a win on Tuesday (4 p.m.) against outsiders Norway.
