- Alexander, it is no secret that you made a bet on the game with the Danes, but still failed to win. What didn’t work out?
- The game has just ended. I can’t explain yet. We conceded two quick goals, and this knocked us down. There were absolutely optional goals. But we did not go into the goal. We in the third period gave the opponent a throw only two times. Yes, and the judge ...
- And what about the judge?
- Finds deletion in their area when we own the puck. And so it was three times. Many more points can be listed. The lead goalkeeper is also injured.
“But did you somehow specially prepare for Denmark?”
- There was no doubt that this would be a goal-to-goal game. In general, before we pulled out such decisive matches. But goals conceded ... Strange.
- Of course, the trauma of Igor Karpenko has severely crippled you.
- For any team, the loss of key players means a lot. What can we say about us.
- Why, after all, many refused to go play for the national team? You do not blame them?
- It saddened me, but I can understand the guys. No one wants to be left without work. What shall we do? We will not go to knock helmets on Khreshchatyk and ask for some handouts. The guys are looking for work, protecting their homes.
- Do you have any optimism left before the comforting round?
- The mood is disgusting. We were preparing for only one decisive game. Now we have to rebuild.
Danish striker Kirill STARKOV named the favorites of the championship and predicted who will play in the quarterfinals in five years.
- What are your impressions of the group at the first stage?
- We got a very serious group. I think that Finland and Russia will play in the finals at this tournament in general. Both teams are good, fast.
- Remain watching the match Russia - Finland?
- Not. We’ve been sitting at the hotel for seven days, tired of it. We want to walk around the city.
- And your forecast for a meeting of favorites?
- Russia will win. More interesting team. Finns are pushing more. And still these are two leading teams. I repeat, they will play in the finals.
“But what about Canadians or Americans?”
- Also good teams. Canadians always play well, especially in the playoffs.
- Swedes?
- It seems that they do not have a high-level goalkeeper.
- The Danish team in the second stage is going to claim a place in the playoffs?
- We will go on the ice liberated, because the main task at the tournament is completed. Will not dominate the responsibility for the result. And the rivals are not expected to be the most formidable - probably Switzerland and Latvia. But in general we have a very young team. We’ll try to make it to the quarter finals in five years.
Alexey Shevchenko