“It was a war of positions out there on the ice,” states Hävelid shortly after midnight, Swedish time.
Sweden was looking for its 14th JVM final in ice hockey. In the semi-finals, the Czech Republic awaited, a team they had already met in the group stage when they won 3–2 after extra time.
The nervousness was palpable and it was noticeable that a lot was at stake. After a choppy and intense first period, it was still goalless. Carl Lindbom in the Swedish goal made a couple of sharp saves.
Jansson goalscorer
In the second period and after clap-clap play, in-form Ludvig Jansson launched a heavy shot that meant 1-0. The full-back knew very well how to score against the Czech Republic – when the teams met in the group stage, he became the big match hero by scoring the 2-1 goal and then deciding the decision in extra time.
The junior crowns then had a golden opportunity to extend the lead via a five-on-three game, but the Czechs held on and the score after 40 minutes was a Swedish odd-goal lead.
“We have a 1-0 lead and have to play five against three, but unfortunately we don’t manage to put the puck there,” says Magnus Hävelid.
39 seconds from a final
In the final period, Sweden had control over the match picture, and for a long time it looked as if it would be a final match. But with 39 seconds remaining, the Czech Republic tied the score at 1-1 through David Jiricek and took the game to extra time. Once there, the Czech Republic drew the longest straw and won 2–1, despite several hot Swedish scoring chances.
— It is a tough match with high intensity. They play good defense and so do we. It was a position war out there on the ice. When it’s 1-0, it’s driving both ways, says a team captain to TT.
— It is a shame to concede a goal so late, almost in the last change. There will still be an extension and there we will do well. We regroup and create more chances, but can’t get the puck over the goal line. And then you know that something can turn up the other way, and that’s exactly what happened. They took their chances, which is extra sad.
Canada or the US is waiting
Now it’s time to reload. Next up is the bronze medal match for Sweden, against either the USA or Canada. That match will be played on Thursday evening, at 20.30, Swedish time.
— We will have a team meeting later and we will say that we will face another team that has also lost. You shouldn’t depress too much, because you have to realize that it’s about a medal. We will do everything we can to access it, says Hävelid.