The star player of the Young Lions does not sign the claim that he disparaged the Swedes.
GOTHENBURG. Jani Nyman was Finland’s hero against Sweden, when he scored the equalizer in the final moments of the game and took the decision in the winning goal race.
Nyman, who was successful in the booing concert, then teased the audience after his winning goal by raising his finger in front of his lips.
The Swedish players did not digest this. Defender Axel Sandin Pellikka reported that the gesture was not ok.
– We told him that such a thing would not be done, Sandin Pellikka stated for Aftonbladet.
Noah Östlund considered the act stupid. Also Oskar Pettersson it was hot Expressen’s in the interview. He hoped that Sweden would face Finland later in the tournament.
– No opponent should behave in such a condescending manner. It was a ridiculous trick on his part. I don’t want to spend too much energy on it now, but if we meet again, I’ll definitely keep it in mind, Pettersson said.
Nyman did not sign after Monday’s on-ice practice, alleging that he disparaged the Swedes.
– There was no disparagement in that. It was a spontaneous venting, and if someone takes it, so be it, says Nyman.
Nyman told Urheilu after the game that he almost started laughing before his performance of the winning goal contest because of the crowd’s booing. He confirms that the gesture was precisely a protest against the buuuus.
– It was definitely (a spontaneous reaction). There was a strong atmosphere and a lot of booing.
Nyman has not followed up on the feedback it received and the uproar created in Sweden. He says that he is currently focusing on the Games and will only follow the reactions of social media after them.
– I have only focused on playing hockey. Let the media write what they write.
After the victory over Sweden, Finland celebrated the New Year together by enjoying burgers and wings. Nyman says there is a very good atmosphere in the team at the moment.
– We gained good confidence for the next games. We have had a difficult start to the Games and a lot of confusion around it. We have been able to show based on the last games that this team has what it takes.
– I hope we get the same Leijona tomorrow against Slovakia that was against Sweden.
The semi-final against Slovakia starts on Tuesday at 12 o’clock local time and one hour later Finnish time. Finland has gotten used to day games, as it played all of its early group matches at 2:30 p.m. Swedish time.
According to Nyman, the early time doesn’t really change the preparation.
– When we are in the tournament, we have to adapt to them. It’s an odd time to be playing, of course. Haven’t played this early in years. But it’s all about good preparation and rest, Nyman says.
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.