Day Four

______________
Michael E. Iacovella

The fourth full day of competition saw Canada defeat the US in the feature game at Paavo Nurmi stadium. Called by some the “final before the final,” the game leaves Canada undefeated and drops the USA behind Great Britain in pool OE. Australia leads the second elite pool, with Finland in second due to their upset over Japan yesterday.

Both the Open and Women’s teams from Finland and Sweden square off this morning, with more than just pride on the line. The Swedish men face elimination with a loss, and a loss for the Swedish women would pit them against a first seed in tonight’s quarterfinal round. The Australian women are still rolling after their upset of Japan on Tuesday, and face Canada today in a battle for first seed in their pool.

The much-anticipated match between USA Mixed and New Zealand ended in favor of the USA, 17-10. The Kiwis were unable to fully counter the Americans’ deep game, and the USA’s depth off the bench definitely showed.

Great Britain’s Junior Open team won a nail-biter against Finland. Down 6 points, Finland rallied to 15-all, only to lose the deciding goal. USA and Canada appear to be on a crash course for the finals, with Germany, Finland or Great Britain filling in the semifinal draws. USA and Canada look to be the one-two favorites in the Junior Women’s division, with Japan, Finland or Sweden filling in the middle seeds.

In Masters action, Canada remains undefeated at 8-0. USA and Great Britain are probables for semifinal draws, with Sweden, Finland and Japan still in the hunt.

Rich Hims of Great Britain mixed goes for the D against the Czech Republic. (Photo by Paul Hurt)