The Philippine men’s floorball team secured a ticket to the World Championships after barging into the finals of the 2024 Asia-Oceania Qualifications on Friday, May 24, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Filipinos stunned powerhouse Australia, 5-3, in the semifinals to secure the coveted ticket to the Worlds happening on Dec. 7 to 15 in Malmo, Sweden.

Melvin Mendoza starred for the Nationals with a decisive goal off an assist from Kim Varga to move a win away from topping the tournament.

The victory arranged the Filipinos a finals match against Southeast Asian rival Thailand, which also booked a ticket to the Worlds after clobbering Singapore, 10-1.

Australia and Singapore, meanwhile, vie for the remaining berth to the Worlds in their battle for third place honors.

The Filipinos hope to avenge their preliminary defeat to the Thais, where they absorbed an 8-3 loss last Thursday, May 23.

Thailand actually topped the Group B bracket with a 3-0 win-loss record before advancing to the semis, with the Filipinos at second with a 2-1 card.

The hosts opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over New Zealand and a 12-4 drubbing of South Korea.