Perhaps it was Finland’s fate that it took simple and dull ice hockey to extremes, writes Urheilu’s reporter Simo Arkko.
Simo Arkkourheilhu reporter
GOTHENBURG.
– Play simple and blunt, then you will be strong.
This was stated by the head coach of the Lions Jukka Jalonen, who visited the booth of the Young Lions on Wednesday. Jalonen gave a speech to the players that lasted a little over ten minutes.
The Lion King ordered, the players and head coaches carried out.
Finland’s performance in the opening round against the United States was dull. Finland defended closely as a five, controlled the puck and kept the game completely under their control.
If the five happened to fall asleep momentarily, Niklas Kokko made a sure save with his goal.
The Young Lions rolled so confidently that the United States didn’t even dare to hesitate. If the USA fell asleep, Finland struck back sharply.
Finland often created dangerous positions with their own attacks, which made the large audience gasp several times. When Finland scored, not only the Finns, but also the Swedes and Canadians jumped from their benches to cheer.
In the final set, the hall even started loudly shouting Suomi shouts several times. Crooked ice Kasper Kulonumme also caused a fierce whistling concert.
After the USA’s 3-2 goal, the hall fell silent. Some even started booing.
Finland was the favorite that the spectators also wanted against Sweden for Friday night’s final.
Perhaps it was Finland’s fate that it took simple and blunt ice hockey to extremes in the second period. It was not the best solution, because the drastic passivation brought power to the United States.
At first, Finland kept the package well together, but the United States gained new strength with a 1-2 man-of-the-match goal.
It got to have fun again, like a star player Cutter Gauthier previously described his team’s first group matches to .
In a moment, the game was tied.
In the final set, Finland was once again open-minded, brave and relaxed as usual. This time, however, it did not bring a prize.
Finland’s growth story in the World Cup tournament has been incredible. Even in the first matches, the defense leaked and the opponent rushed past from the right and the left.
Since the match against Sweden, Finland has taken massive strides. The players wanted to show how much this World Cup tournament means to them. In the end, the Young Lions succeeded in their goal. After all the difficulties, they played with maturity and confidence.
It must be remembered that the United States is a big champion favorite for the entire tournament with numerous first round reservations. In the Canadian media, it was said that Finland would fall even in the quarterfinals.
For the young Leijons, the result of the semi-final is of course a huge disappointment. Although the defeat is bitter, they need not be ashamed of this performance.
Urheilu closely follows the under-20 hockey world championships in the application and on its website. Finland plays against the Czech Republic on Friday in the bronze medal match at 4 p.m.