The Czech fans jammed into the O2 Arena were dismayed early on as their team seemed to freeze on the ice, allowing Germany to take the lead in the International Floorball Federation’s flagship event.

The Germans still led, 2-1, after 20 minutes, but the home side, coached by Finland’s Petri Kettunen, drew level two minutes into the second period through Tom Ondrusek.

The Germans restored their lead, but then three consecutive goals from the Czech team tipped the match in their favour.

Earlier in the same arena, world champions Finland were beaten 5-4 by Sweden, who got the decisive goal in a power-play with less than five minutes remaining.

Switzerland had got the tournament underway with a 7-3 win over Latvia at the same venue.

After falling 3-1 behind in their first Group A match, the Swiss team reduced the arrears to 3-2 at the end of the first period.

They then forged ahead, with Manuel Maurer turning things around.

He equalised in the 33^rd minute, and 28 seconds later provided the assist for Christoph Meier to create a lead that was never lost.

In the opening game at the Arena Sparta, Slovakia eased to a 12-3 win over Canada in Group D.

Estonia then earned an 11-5 win over Australia in the second match played at the venue today.

The tournament continues tomorrow.