It was expected that this game will be, if not friendly, then training in nature. In fact, what was shared today by the national teams of Russia and Sweden? Not a single lost point for two. The first place in the group or the second is not important. Firstly, because only the top teams come out of the other six in the playoffs. Secondly, the choice between Czechs and Slovaks in this championship does not make much sense. The former have an even team with almost no stars. The second - only one serious link, but such that there is nowhere more serious. So think - where to lay straws.
The national teams of Russia and Sweden did not think, and they made a serious felling. It’s like there’s a playoff on Wednesday. As if he had already started. Especially for these two teams. An exaggeration of course. But not so big.
What is even more surprising: if the Russian team (in this century, in any case) has always been distinguished by a sort of village bluntness - do what you must and what happens, then the Swedes and the cunning Gustafsson have clearly demonstrated that the choice the opponent does not shy away and know how to do it. Not to mention playing exactly when it is needed, and not a second earlier.
And it's great that this game turned out to be real. Only this could provide food for thought - an occasion for optimism, a reason for concern.
Pleased Eremenko. How it will turn out with Nabokov is still unknown. And I do not want to jinx, praising once again. But here I am pleased. He showed at least that you can count on him. And if he didn’t come out against the Czechs, then ... Bulls, of course, are big - he knows better.
Upset game on the patch - for the umpteenth time. Both Swedish goals are from there. Although they tried to sort of, shoved, beat the Swedes, so they were afraid to climb. But twice missed. In the first case, Vitaly Atyushov lost the fight for the position. In the second, they simply didn’t read it. But both that, and another - errors, shortcomings.
Pleased with Malkin. Today, he finally began to remind himself of the present - not exhausted by the first Enkhael season and the troubles that preceded him. We expect more from him anyway - transfers, for example, filigree and unexpected. But, as for his trademark charge for interception, practicing in defense - this is already Malkin. The same one. And how he wanted to score! And he scored it - it also pleases.
Afflicted by intemperance. The removal of Kovalchuk and Nikulin for beating the Swedes after the whistle was necessary, like the fifth wheel of a cart. And in the playoffs, restraining oneself will be even harder. But we must try.
Pleased with the speed. At the disposal of Vyacheslav Bykov a strong selection of forwards, especially extreme. And a quick game with regular pressure in a foreign zone is the best match for the Russian team. It turned out with the Swedes. We must continue in the same vein.
Upset ... However, enough. You need to finish good. Victory remained with our team.
Two days later, the quarter-finals. The Czech national team is a rival that should always be feared. In whatever composition she played. Only this Russian team is not afraid of anyone. Not with such a colossal attacking potential, to which you only need to attach an attentive game in defense. A little help to the goalkeeper who is.
Of course it will be difficult. But this team has already shown that it is not afraid of difficulties.
In the quarter finals there are:
May 9
RUSSIA - Czech Republic
Sweden - Slovakia
May 10
Canada - Switzerland
USA - Finland