In a thrilling final, the USA defeated the favorites from the Czech Republic 3:0 thanks to a fierce and confident performance. This is the first ever World Championship title for the US women.
The Czech women began the final game determined to take an early lead. They pinned the Americans back in the first few minutes. With combined efforts and good saves from goalkeeper Wolejko, the USA were able to prevent an early deficit. The Americans then got into the game a little better. After 11 minutes, Levin found Seitz, who was free in front of goal and was able to shoot in unhindered to make it 1:0. This goal shocked the favorites from the Czech Republic. The break came just in time.
At the start of the second period, the Americans tried to extend their lead in a powerplay. The Czechs held their own with great effort. However, this achievement did not bring the Czechs back into the game. The momentum remained on the side of the US ladies, who looked more confident as the game wore on. The Czech players, on the other hand, seemed unsettled. They also began to take penalties. The USA knew how to exploit this: Four minutes before the end of the second period, Fortier scored the much-acclaimed 2:0 with a beautiful wrist shot from the turn. A little later, Vakos even netted in powerplay for a three-goal lead.
The Eastern Europeans went on the offensive in the final period and covered the US goal with shots. However, they were thwarted either by the solid defense or the calm US goalkeeper. The Czech team’s efforts went unrewarded. The Lonza Arena was treated to an exciting and spectacular women’s streethockey game, with the USA women winning their first world championship title.
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