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Although Swedes took the lead early, the Slovaks scored three in nine minutes and won a tight game. The surprising winner of Group B is therefore going to play against Finland in the semi-finals.
Penalties: 4:4. PP goals: 1:1. SH goals: 0:0.
Referees: Novák, Hronský – Kacej, Jedlička. Attendance: 500.
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Report
Sixty seven seconds were played when Linus Hemström scored first from the slot. Both teams then had promising chances, but both Hävelid and Eliáš made good saves. The Slovaks played a bit more offensively, and thanks to it, they were able to celebrate.
Just 30 seconds after the first break, the game was equalled by Maxim Štrbák. The Swedes took the lead back on the power play when Mattias Hävelid fired a precise shot from the blue line.
Consequently, Liam Öghren could have scored the third goal for the Swedes, but Eliáš made a great save. This moment was crucial because shortly after it, Štrbák recorded his second from the blue line.
Even the beginning of the third period was played better by the home team. During the first six minutes, the Slovaks scored twice. Firstly, Šimon Nemec added another long-distance goal. Dalibor Dvorský then scored his seventh in the tournament – 4-2 for Slovakia.
Sweden reduced the score two minutes later, Filip Bystedt used his speed and responded on a breakaway. But for the rest of the game, Slovakia‘s defence was strong enough, and Slovak forward Kmec even hit the post.
However, both teams can reach their full scoring potential in the semifinals. Slovakia will play Finland in Piešťany and Sweden will fight against Russia in Břeclav.
Reactions
Ivan Feneš (coach of Slovakia): “There was a great atmosphere in the locker room. The boys rewrote the history of our U18 national team. We won the group without losing a point against such teams as the Swedes, Germans, and Americans. We are already looking forward to the semi-finals. We must regenerate properly and prepare well for Finland. We are confident. Chances for winning are equal for both teams.”