The Czech team began to rest: 1: 3 from Russia. I also ended up sending it to the rendezvous with our team of the tournament hosts. With the Slav brothers in the semifinals, it would certainly be easier. On the side of the Swedes, additional motivation (the game will be shown on the national TV channel), emotions of the audience and ... Perhaps that's all.
Of course, to compare the Scandinavians and the Russian team can only speculatively. But the Tre Krunur does not seem to have any trump cards in its sleeve. If the Russians do not tremble, they will play in the same way as at the preliminary stage, and access to the finals is guaranteed. If only because the Swedes in the quarter finals allowed the opponent to create moments at their gates. Yes, and in the attack did not show something incendiary. The pace of the game was slow.
It is also important that while at the tournament there was absolutely no “home” refereeing. Even in the game with the Czech Republic, the owners were punished mercilessly, for every fault. And after all they folil on rather slow rivals. And Russian hockey players rush about the site like the wind. And if the arbitrators are impartial, then on the ice there will rarely be full compositions.
The head coach of the Russian national team, Yevgeny Popikhin, after the quarterfinal, watched live, did not impress the person who will face the most important match of his career tomorrow. This, by the way, is also a plus. The Russian team and the coach are confident in themselves.
- You probably knew that you had to play with the Swedes?
- Yes, it could be assumed.
- 5: 1 in the quarter finals - this is perhaps too much. Was the rival of the Swedes so weak, or did the winners jump above their heads?
- I think the owners just squeezed the Czechs. One and a half period the game was equal. And then the Swedes broke the resistance with two quick washers.
- You will play with the Swedish team after a two-day rest. You can rejoice: the team rested. And someone is worried: they say, the guys got out of the rhythm of the game. How do you rate this pause?
- It’s hard to say. During the match and see. In general, I did not know how to avoid a long rest. We couldn’t specially lose to the Finns in order to get into the quarterfinal ...
- What are the advantages of the Swedish team?
- She plays power hockey. Aggressive. Likes to attack. And, if necessary, it does not act as straightforward as it seems.
- Which of the Swedes should pay special attention to?
- I didn’t even think. What is it for? We show our game throughout the tournament, plan and execute the script ourselves. Why adapt to someone?
- Then how can you beat the Swedes?
- Noticed that they play at an average pace that suits them. But the opponents should add a little speed, as the problems begin. So we will try to play intensively.
- The whole hall will hurt against you.
- Yes. But the guys are well aware of what awaits them. This will not unbalance them.
- Will you talk about hockey at the installation or try to make guys ?
- There will be both.
- In the playoffs during the matches, advertising timeouts appeared. Does it bother you?
- On the contrary. This is an additional opportunity to adjust the game. But we don’t think about that either. The rules are not written by us.
- The game will begin at 21.30 Moscow time. Not too late?
- Fine. We have been here since December 25, adapted.
- And already changed the hotel ...
- Yes, we moved. We live in a quiet village, to the ice palace about fifteen minutes.
- Is everyone healthy?
- Yes.
- And the mood?
- Everyone wants to win the world championship.
Alexey Shevchenko