Redemption after twelve years – Liechtenstein
KOCENI – Liechtenstein’s national floorball team won the third World Cup qualifier in Koceni, Latvia, 4-2 against Belgium. A historic victory.
Only a few spectators attended yesterday’s morning game between Liechtenstein and Belgium in the small sports hall in Koceni, Latvia. And most of them should have asked themselves after the game: “Why the hell are the yellow guys cheering as if they had just become world champions?” And even if it is “only” about third place in the group: Liechtenstein’s 4-2 victory was a salvation. Twelve years ago (5:1 against Georgia) the selection of Liechtenstein won on the international stage for the last time. This was followed by 25 defeats – sometimes higher, rarely less high. Only three who were still there today experienced the victory against Georgia: federation president Andreas Good, captain Matthias Inhelder and team manager Reto Voneschen.
Very strong final third
And now this: With a bombastic final third, Liechtenstein’s floorball players shot the frustration of twelve years without a win from their bodies. Belgium were leading 2-0 after two periods, not undeservedly, as they got more out of the game and made better use of their chances. Mario Neff’s goal (33rd) released new strength among the local floorball cracks. Two minutes later, Remo Tischhauser and the Belgian coaches try to stop Liechtenstein’s momentum with a time-out.
It didn’t work. After the strong goalkeeper Lukas Good stopped a Belgian attack in the 42nd minute, he immediately launched striker Neff, who passed directly to line colleague Simon Felder, who made it 3:2 with a great volley from a long distance. And just a minute later, after Lino Heeb’s first goal for the national team, it was clear that the winner had to be Liechtenstein.
Hard-fought victory
The victory was a little announced after the last two games, “but it took a really strong team effort for us to do it,” said Captain Inhelder. Because nothing was given to the people of Liechtenstein. In the middle period, the loss of Robin Baracchi – the defender twisted his foot badly in a duel – shocked Marco Kipfer’s team visibly. In the meantime, she had to act twice after being outnumbered after penalties and in new compositions after Baracchi’s failure.
The 4:2 against Belgium is not enough for participation in the World Cup in Zurich in November, but Liechtenstein’s selection can still play for 5th place in the last tournament game today. Opponent will be Hungary at 9 a.m. in the morning. “A ‘dessert’ that you deserve,” coach Kipfer said to his protégés.