Finland lost to Canada in the World Cup opener. Aleksanteri Kaskimäki of the Young Lions says that the first game and a different style of opponent made the team nervous.
GOTHENBURG. The opening match of the Young Lions at the World Youth Championships ended with a 2–5 loss against Canada.
Finland was behind Canada from the beginning of the match, but was able to hang on to the result until the third set. However, in the final set, Canada scored three goals and left the Young Lions without any opportunities.
– The first set was a bit bad for us. We messed with the puck and there was nervousness, the attacker Alexander Kaskimäki commented to Urheilu
– Then we got into the game very well. We had our own good moments and our own places. An even game and now turned to the canucks.
What do you think caused the nervousness?
– Of course it’s different from practice games. Otherwise, a slightly different type of opponent than what we are used to. Certainly that and the first game of the tournament. We have to find ways to make the start of the game better tomorrow.
Kaskimäki was able to control the second set with superiority for Nuorille Leijon from a 1-2 deficit in front of the goal. Otherwise, the supremacy of Finland’s number one fist was blocked.
Right hand down player Konsta Helenius played on the right wing and left winger Jani Nyman on the left. Finland couldn’t shoot directly from the pass.
– Well, yes, we had something to shake about it. Let’s watch videos and talk a bit. Yes, it should be better by tomorrow.
Also the head coach of the Young Lions Lauri Mikkola described the beginning as nervous.
– In the second set, we got to the game. Sure, there were spots in the first round, but this was the opening match for this tournament. We didn’t get the best out of it, but game by game the game develops and we move forward.
Against Canada, Finland fell behind in familiar matters, such as passing and receiving passes. That’s why Finland had difficulty getting out of the attack area in a controlled manner.
– Maybe (opening play should be) simplified a bit. Today the pressure came really fast and there is not much time as a puck to think about what to do. Simpler solutions, Mikkola summarized.
Finland doesn’t have to worry about the loss for long, because they will face Germany on Wednesday. Mikkola expects that the start of the match will be better than the Canada game.
– All competitive games are tough and after tonight the thoughts will shift to the Germany game. Let’s go over the opponent a little with the coaches and start tuning the team.
Finland meets Germany on Wednesday at 15:30. Urheilu follows the games closely in the application and on its website. Moods are also conveyed on Urheilurutu and Urheiluradio. The match program can be found here.