By Vincent Kierk Tugnao and Mark Angelo Mañez

PHOTO: Singapore Floorball Series

From unknown substitutes to legit world floorball title contenders.

The Philippine Men’s floorball team finally sealed their Floorball World Championship comeback with an insane 4-2 victory over World No. 13 Australia to protect the top seed in Group G of the 2022 Asia-Oceania Floorball Cup in Singapore, Thursday.

Following a last-minute call to fill vacant spots in the previous edition, the Pinoy floorballers punched their own ticket to the world stage once more.

Prior to facing the Aussies, the Philippines stirred a surprise run by beating the likes of South Korea (3-2) and Japan (10-4).

Australia's Daniel Gartner stunned goalie Victor Lindberg with a surprise long missile coming off Liam Perry’s assist. That kickstart fueled the Nationals to equalize the match in the first period thanks to captain Lucas Perez’s spinning rove to Melvin Alm Mendoza.

Despite starting slow, PH defender Perez took charge with a corner goal from Kim Varga in the second period opener. The lead tripled at the 27th minute through Australian GK Ryan Alexandrakis' own goal. 

A highly spirited Philippine team ballooned the margin as forward Kim Varga delivered near the goal spot at the 33th minute, before Aussies avenged it seconds later.

Perez took home the Player-of-the-Match honors for the Philippine side after registering one goal and 2 assists.

Despite the victory, the Philippines are not celebrating just yet as they continue their historic chase for their first AOFC title against Southeast Asian rival Thailand on Saturday, June 4.