| Team Canada defended the title of world champions One gets the impression that the World Hockey Championship could not have been held in the Czech Republic. Because, as it turned out, the disposition of forces in world hockey has remained virtually unchanged over the past year. It's all the same: Canada and Sweden are in the final again (and the founders of hockey won again - 5:3), and last year's bronze medalist, Slovakia, was just a little short of repeating its Finnish success. As a result, the Americans ended up in third place, defeating the Slovaks in a shootout (main and extra time brought a scoreless draw).
In general, the feeling of deja vu did not leave throughout the entire finale, which developed almost according to the same scenario as a year ago. Once again the Swedes were more energetic, angrier, sharper in the first half of the match and deservedly led - 2:0 and 3:1. Then the Canadians perked up and, as in Helsinki, managed to restore the balance - 3:3. But then the storyline took a bizarre turn. In Finland, everything was decided in overtime - and in Prague, the Canadians managed to put the squeeze on their opponents already in the third period, leaving no doubt about who is the boss in the hockey world today. It's amazing how much everything that happened demoralized the Scandinavians. Powerful, aggressive, not doubting success at the beginning of the match, the Swedes by the third period turned into timid, shy youths, so unsure of themselves that they are afraid to take an extra step without the knowledge of their elders. Even the Swedes' mentor, Hardy Nilsson, could not find an explanation for such an incredible metamorphosis.
Maybe because he looked for the reasons for all the troubles, as usual, in himself, in his players. But it was necessary - in an opponent. Few people seriously imagined the strength of the Canadians before the quarterfinals: the reason for this was the lackluster play of the North Americans in the stages. Then, however, for Mike Babcock's team everything worked out without any special consequences - after all, the level of most of the opponents was not so high. However, in the playoffs the world champions were completely transformed. None of their competitors on the way to the finals were in any way inferior to the North Americans in skill or physical readiness. But the Canadians had an inexhaustible thirst for fight, an inexhaustible desire to win at any cost. Remember: during all three cup matches, the Canadians were constantly losing the score, losing to their opponents by one goal or two. And then they still overtook the prey, clung to it like a kite - and did not let go until the very final siren. This is what Canadian character means!
Even the mighty Slovaks, who after the elimination of the championship hosts, the Czechs, were unanimously called the main contenders for “gold”, could not resist him in the semi-finals. True, it was not the Canadian pressure that broke Frantisek Hossa's team, but rather the second missed goal, unfairly counted by American referee Rick Luker. It was abandoned according to all the rules, but a few seconds before, Canadian Rob Niedermayer roughly tripped goalkeeper Jan Laszak behind the Slovak goal.
The Slovak hockey players, we must give them their due, were not indignant after the open game - they apparently understood that they already had plenty of time to prove their strength in this match. However, each of them touched on the topic of refereeing to one degree or another. Most of the questions, naturally, were addressed to Lashak. “This topic can be discussed endlessly,” said the goalkeeper. - But I would like to dwell on one detail. Why does it happen that we are playing with the Canadians, and the American is refereeing us? Think about it."
“It’s a pity that, in fact, a single referee’s decision decided the fate of the entire tournament for us,” Jan FILZ, under whose leadership the Slovaks won the World Championship two years ago, shared his pain with the correspondent of the Vremya Novostei newspaper. - We dreamed of playing in the finals and were better than the Canadians. But they were lucky, and they played very well in defense. And, of course, the judge did his bit - he supported the Canadians well.
- Do you then believe that there is justice in sports?
- You know, my brother was a figure skater. And my daughter did rhythmic gymnastics. So in these sports there is much, much more bias in the judges’ assessments. But in hockey, referees don’t have as many opportunities to influence the result. But nevertheless, things happen sometimes. Just like in our match with the Canadians.
- Nevertheless, Slovak hockey is progressing from year to year. Where does such agility come from?
- We have a very friendly team in our team. All the guys are not only very good athletes, but also wonderful people. They treat each other, the national team, and the country very well. For example, we never have problems inviting NHL players to the national team. The unity of players and coaches in everything, friendship, mutual respect - all this is the main reason for our success.
- But in the Russian national team there is no such unity. Maybe this is the root of all our troubles?
- You know better in Russia. But I share this opinion. After all, the class of Russian players playing in the NHL is very high. There are many of them, in every hockey role. I think if these guys played on the Russian national team, your team would always be the main favorites at the world championships.
Semi-finals. Canada - Slovakia - 2:1, Sweden - USA - 3:2. Match for 3rd place. USA - Slovakia - 1:0 (shootout). Final. Canada - Sweden - 5:3. Nikolay SAPRIN, Ostrava |
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