Down-the-line.ru will broadcast a live-text online show: Hockey. World Cup 2023. Semi-final. Canada – Latvia. Direct
The Latvian team is the main sensation of this tournament, the team of Harijs Vitolins for the first time in the history of the country reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, and along the way, beating three very strengths that were considered favorites.
Let’s start with the fact that Latvia was not at all guaranteed a ticket to the qualifiers, as Switzerland, Canada, Czech Republic and Slovakia won the first 4 places. And Latvia started the tournament terribly, losing to Canada 0:6. Then there was a defeat of main competitor Slovakia 1: 2 and the chances of the Latvians for the playoffs decreased significantly. However, Latvia then created the first sensation – they beat the Czech Republic 4: 3 in extra time, then there were matches with foreigners, and the Latvians extended the winning streak to 4 games, beating Norway 2 : 1, Slovenia 3: 2, Kazakhstan 7:0. But before the last round, Latvia was not assured of a quarter-final only because of the defeat of Slovakia. On equal points, priority to personal meetings, the Slovaks caught up with the Latvians in the event of a victory over Norway, and in the end Slovakia easily scored those three points, winning 4-1. Latvia played the final slot of the day’s game and needed at least a regular-time draw against group leaders Switzerland, who had previously won absolutely every game in the group stage. The game turned out to be fairly even, Latvia leading twice, but Switzerland rebounding, then trailing, but the Latvians quickly responded with their puck, then suffered until the siren. The required draw took place, but Latvia ended up scoring in extra time. The victory brought third place in the group and a quarter-final exit not to the United States, but to Sweden.
In the quarter-finals, Latvia held off constant attacks from the Swedes, goalkeeper Shilov parried 40 shots and helped his team make history. In addition, the competitor – Canada against which Latvia has already lost 0:6. This same Canada is considered one of the weakest almost in the history of the world championships, there are no big stars in this team. In the group, the Canadians lost against Switzerland and Norway, so there are doubts about the invincibility of this team. Organized defensive play (Latvia has the tournament’s best minority) and goalkeeper Shilov’s excellent play can give the Latvians at least a chance of making the semi-finals. But even playing for bronze will be a success for Latvia. Moreover, there will probably be a rival in terms of strength in the person of Germany.
Hockey. World Cup 2023. Semi-final. Canada – Latvia. Direct
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I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
