First thing’s first, we want to extend a HUGE Welcome to the World Lacrosse Championship to all of the teams that competed in this year’s event for the first time.
Although it appears the the Uganda Cranes stole the show out in Denver, other teams also made their World Games debut. Nations appearing for the first time in international play were Uganda, Thailand, Israel, Colombia, Costa Rica, Russia, China, Belgium and Turkey.
The gold medal game is very important, don’t get me wrong, but the fact that 9 teams from around the world were able to organize at least 23-men to bring to the United States and compete on the biggest stage is a remarkable feat of its own.
Israel was the only team of the 9 nations to record a win in their first World Games match, taking down Sweden 19-4.
Results of Day 1
Netherlands 19 China 4
Poland 23 Costa Rica 1
Scotland 24 Thailand 3
Germany 12 Belgium 4
Finland 19 Colombia 0
Israel 19 Sweden 4
Wales 10 Russia 2
Czech Republic 12 Turkey 3
Ireland 17 Uganda 1
Each team has a very important and unique story to tell that doesn’t just start at game #1, but the first time these squads took the field is what all the blood, sweat and tears were for. Make sure to take in these notable moments in lacrosse history, below are photos from all 9 teams’ first game in Denver.
Welcome to the World Games, Rookie…
Thailand Photos: Courtesy of Nok Nokkie/TLA
Turkey Photos: Courtesy of Abigail Kaden
Colombia Photos: Courtesy of Suomen Lacrosse
Huge props to LaxAllStars’ interns Tanner Job and Colton Raichl for capturing all of the iconic images from the first day!
Check out any of the great links below for more content from our trip to the 2014 World Lacrosse Championship in Denver, Colorado!
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