Day 3: USA, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden Battle For 2 Semifinal Spots
By Radoslav Vavřina, Lead Writer, The Czech List
BŘECLAV, CZE – On day three of the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Břeclav, Czech Republic, and Piešťany, Slovakia, four teams battle for semifinals while the other four just need to get their last opponents out of the way before going to semis. There’s only one spot in the next stage for USA or Finland and another one for either Sweden or Switzerland.
First to be decided the one who faces Czechs on Friday evening as the game between Switzerland and Sweden starts at 2:00 in Piešťany. Both teams managed to beat Slovakia already, but both also lost big to Canada. So who will be the happier party today? Damien Riat and the Swiss or Oliver Kylington and the Tre Kronor? Find out at eurolivescores.com.
At 3:30 local time in Břeclav, an epic battle between Finland and the United States is scheduled to begin. Both teams posted three-goal wins over Russia, but neither managed to overcome the Czechs, led by the crowd all the time. In another battle for semifinals, it can either be the tough Suomi or confident Americans. Follow the game live at eurolivescores.com.
Slovaks will say goodbye to the group stage facing the biggest of all, Canada. “The Cradle of Hockey” has had an impressive tournament so far, scoring huge wins over both Switzerland and Sweden and it is presumed that the home team shouldn’t pose much of a threat to them on Friday evening. After all, they go forward from the first place anyways. Game updates will be available at eurolivescores.com.
Russia will be looking to repair their reputation following defensive collapses with Finland and the U. S., combining for twelve goals allowed in two games. The Czechs scored eight and will be looking to take advantage of poor Russian defense to get a couple more before facing Sweden or Switzerland on Friday. Watch game updates at eurolivescores.com.
Photo courtesy of Dominika Handzušová
