First, about the game. The Czechs started it better. In the first period, they looked even older if you want. The Russians were nervous, fussed - mastered. And the rivals went out to play right away. And, looking ahead, so all three periods and spent: at the same pace and in the same vein.
In the first twenty minutes against this Czech background - not outstanding, but even - the Russian team looked like a team shy, felt a little out of place. That is why the logic of the first missed goal was not questioned. The Czechs got the majority, rolled out, abandoned - 1: 0. Varlamov, who was not overloaded with work in general, simply could not prevent another Czech Freedom from closing the bar.
After the break in the game there was only one change: ours moved, squared their shoulders, became bolder, and began to beat one-on-one more often. Courage glanced over for courage. And there the game in the pass began to work out. Goals were a matter of time. About seven minutes at the beginning of the second period, the Russian team could score, without exaggerating, four times. But twice - not bad.
At first, with the majority of Cherepanovs on the spot, he turned out to be freer than Freedom, managed to turn around and even somehow awkwardly push the puck into the goal. And soon the embarrassed Czechs were surrounded by Churilov and Loginov: the first fought behind the goal and deftly passed the second throw - 2: 1, Russia was ahead!
And then, almost until the end of the game, our guys looked more interesting. Goal Bumagina turned out how amazingly aesthetic, as predetermined and timely. Cherepanov started, Krysanov caught a pause of two, who rolled into a corner, Bumagin threw without interference - 3: 1. Talking in more detail is pointless. Who saw - admired, who did not see - no luck.
And the ending turned out to be slightly nervous. But only slightly. The Czechs still did not do anything superfluous, they played as if the result of the match was of interest to them insofar as. Just scored again in the majority. Sobotka threw from an average distance - Varlamov seemed to see the puck, but did not manage to cover - 3: 2. It happens. Victory is still for the guys of Evgeny Popikhin. So, with an initiative!
Now about the impressions. Let us agree that it is better to stint on optimistic conclusions. This particular game, in which the Russians turned out to be slightly stronger than the Czechs, almost does not change the prelaunch alignment of forces. How can it not change, in principle, no other individual meeting. Ours are still about fifth. The Czechs are still up a notch.
Frankly, the Russian team does not yet look like a team. Although her captain Vyacheslav Buravchikov looked very cool. Behind acted calmly, as far as it can be expected from a 19-year-old defender. Ahead appeared suddenly and invariably in the case. I could score at least twice - there was not enough luck and skill.
Less catchy, but harder, played Zubarev. Igor Makarov looked one of the most seasoned. Maybe he played a little out of tune with the partners in the link - Yaroslavl Vasyunov and Anisimov, but he definitely knew what he wanted and achieved his goal. He boldly went to the stroke, sharpened the game, a couple of times in time forced his opponents to foul.
Pleased with the trio of Bumagin - Krysanov - Cherepanov. Omsk child prodigy very organically diluted the Togliatti duet. This combination brought the Czechs the greatest difficulties. On that, however, it is the first.
For the rest, there are also a couple of kind words. But it’s better to save them. For the future. When, let's hope, these guys will become a team. And there, you look, order ...
Well, then you yourself know.