"I do not want to blame any of the players": what did the coaches of Russia and Finland say after the World Cup semifinal

"The rival went under the puck of three people"

The Russian national hockey team suffered its first defeat at the World Championships in Slovakia, losing in the semifinal of Finland with a score of 0: 1. At the post-match press conference, the head coach of the national team Ilya Vorobyov paid tribute to his opponent, but did not blame his players for the failure.

- What did not work for the Russian team in the match with Finland?

- Could not throw, missed a few moments at the end of the match, it was necessary to bring more to the penny, and the projectile did not go. Opponent lay under the puck of three people.

- And what was the most important mistake for you?

- Good question. We will understand, while emotions are fresh.

- Do you agree with the exact view that the Finns did not come out to play hockey?

- They went out to bite, beat, it does not matter how to call it.

- What could they oppose?

- Goals.

- Is it possible to say that the result of the case?

- Unfortunately yes. The game went up to one goal, but we were not able to throw the puck.

- Why do Russians have difficulties with Finland?

- First, they have a very systemic team with well-organized actions. Secondly - a quick attack.

- Could you compare the matches with the teams of Finland and the USA?

- These are two completely different teams. The Finns are a very tenacious team that plays defense and catches everything. Americans are a fast, talented team. With them it was easier for us.

- Do you have any complaints about the leaders of the national team, who were supposed to pull out the game at the end of the match?

- I will not answer this question, they have a meeting tomorrow.

- Do you feel that the stars of the team such as Yevgeny Malkin, today did not show everything that they can?

- No, I do not want to blame any of the players.

- How can the team find motivation in the match for the bronze medals of the tournament?

- Already told the guys that you need to prepare for the next match.

“Big win for us and our fans”

The head coach of the Finnish national team Jukka Jalonen shared his impressions of the semifinal match. He admitted that he felt a sense of pride in his wards, but added that the main confrontation awaited them only tomorrow.

"Very happy. This is a big victory for us and our fans. The guys played for each other and defeated a very powerful opponent. Tomorrow we have the final and we are able to become champions, ”the specialist is sure.

According to him, the match with the Russian national team was marked by tenacity, which both opponents showed, as evidenced by the almost complete equality of scoring chances.

“We kept the puck well in the attack zone. Specially divided eight defenders, so that the defense had more strength and energy to cope with the forwards. In addition, they planned to work on the perimeter in the attack zone, to organize as many positional attacks as possible. In my opinion, we did it very well, ”said the coach.

Interestingly, in the semifinals of the 2011 World Championships, which also took place in Slovakia, the Finnish national team beat Russia with a score of 3: 0. Subsequently, she became the owner of the main trophy of the tournament. At that time, the team was also headed by Jalonen.

“Did I have a deja vu?” Honestly, memories of that tournament came to my mind, especially in the last 10 minutes. Slovakia is a happy place for us. True, Russia at the end had very good moments and it could easily even the score. But our goalkeeper played reliably. In four or five moments he saved us from the faithful heads. Andrei Vasilevsky also acted well. But for victory, Kevin Lankinen should have been better. And so it happened, ”he noted.

On the eve of the world championship part of the Finnish hockey players who play in the National Hockey League (NHL) refused to join the team. However, Yalonen stressed that he does not feel resentment towards them.

“I am focused on those who came, those who want to fight for the country. That is why we reached the final. Not to say that I do not want to see representatives of the NHL. On the contrary, I am waiting for our best guys in the next World Cup to make the team even more masterful. But they should act according to the system the way we are today, ”concluded Jalonen.