Such indiscipline should not be possible against a team of Germany’s caliber, writes Urheilu’s editor Simo Arkko.
Simo Arkkourheilhu reporter
GOTHENBURG. This was supposed to be just a bite. Huge pre-favorite Finland puts the game in the package right from the start, and there is no doubt about the winner of the game.
That’s not how it went.
Compared to previous expectations, Finland was dull and breathless against Germany in the World Youth Hockey Championships. Finland lost catastrophically already in regular time 3–4.
Finland’s game was tight from the start. Germany was open-minded and enthusiastic. Finland was looking for its groove in playing on the puck, which was still nervous.
The hurlumhei puck at the beginning of the second period kept Finland still in the 3–2 lead. After that, Finland was also able to play a good period, but towards the end of the set, Germany struck twice in about a minute and a half.
The young Lions had big problems playing. Especially defending direct attacks produced challenges. The Germans passed by right and left.
Against a team of Germany’s caliber, such indiscipline should not be possible.
A goalkeeper left alone Niklas Kokko sometimes blocked the puck against the post, but also had to surrender. He even felt sorry for him, because Finland gave so many top places to the Germans. Koko was boiling after the goals for a reason.
Finland’s game as a whole was spiritless and undisciplined. Finland took completely unnecessary, tired and undisciplined ice breaks.
It seems that Nuoret Leijonat is in some kind of a tailspin. Liberation shines in its absence.
Even before the start of the tournament, it was known that Finland’s defense is very good on the puck. Still, it is unforgivable that Finland let Germany go against a team of the caliber four paint.
Frustration was visible and audible. When Nuoret Leijonat went into the final set looking for an equalizer and a win, a familiar Finnish swear word was heard loudly in the upper loft after just one minute.
Does Nuor Leijon have enough faith in this project?
Urheilu closely follows the under-20 hockey world championships in the application and on its website. Moods are also conveyed on Urheilurutu and Urheiluradio. The match program can be found here.