World champion Canada beats Slovakia 4:3 in a duel between two title contenders. The North Americans achieved a great turnaround.
The match between Slovakia and Canada promised a lot, as the four-time world champions between 2013 and 2019 and the reigning title holder met – and they kept their promise. Both teams started the game committed. The latter became hectic and emotional at times. Numerous penalties were the result – no fewer than ten minor penalties were handed out over the entire match. The Slovaks proved to be more effective at the start. After a nice combination in powerplay, Martinusik found himself alone in front of the opposing net and scored the opening goal for the Eastern Europeans. With a deflected shot, which became uncontrollable for Canada goalkeeper Latin, the Slovaks increased the lead to 2:0. The goal was attributed to Straka.
Team Canada reacted strongly. It took control of the game and became more compelling in its finishing. As a result, Nixon scored the equalizer before the first buzzer with a delicate shot from the air in double overtime. After just over 25 minutes, the Canadians equalized through Anderson, who finished off a long-range shot in front of the goal. Granger completed the turnaround three minutes before the end of the second period. In a four-against-three situation, the Slovaks got back into the game after 31 minutes thanks to a high corner shot by Straka with his second goal of the evening. After both teams had largely neutralized one another until the end of the game, Lemos managed to land the “luck punch” 30 seconds before the end of regulation time.
The Canadians conclude the group stage with a match against Haiti on Tuesday. The Slovakian team will face Great Britain.
Die Kanadier schliessen die Gruppenphase mit dem Spiel gegen Haiti am Dienstag ab. Die slowakische Mannschaft trifft auf Grossbritannien.
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