Since 2006, the Czech Republic and Finland have played against each other at every single world championship. The last encounter, in 2016, was a very tight one that the Finns decided with just seven seconds left in the regulation to win 4-3. The winner remained the same this year as well and Finland became the first finalist.
Both teams started the match very carefully in an attempt not to make any easy mistakes. The Czechs were a bit more active, but they couldn’t turn their efforts into a goal. In the 12th minute, Lastikka found his teammate after a great run with the ball and Joonas Pylsy scored opened the score. From that moment, the Finns controlled the game and the score 1-0 remained till the end of the first period.
The first half of the second period resembled the first twenty minutes. Both teams preferred deliberate possession of the ball and build up play, rather than quick attacks. And the Finns were again more successful in their efforts. Mikko Leikkanen found a bit of space for a second in the middle of the offensive zone and fired a rocket over Souček’s left shoulder. And just five minutes later, basically from the same spot, Joonas Pylsy made it 3-0.
After a small skirmish in the 47th minute, both teams had one player penalized for roughing and the Czech team finally found the way into the net. Matěj Jendrišák scored after a well-played free hit. With 12 minutes left in the regulation and the score at 1-3, the Czechs sensed a chance to get back into the match. The Finns, however, slowed down the pace and after a short spell when they almost didn’t cross the half-line, they showed two quick attacks that sent them four goals ahead. The Czech team decided to pull their goalie and when Salin was sent to the penalty box, Daniel Šebek’s power-play goal provided the last glimmer of hope for the home team. But it was quickly dashed by two Finnish empty-netters that set the final score at 7-2 for the defending champions.
DAY 4: Group Stage Culminating, Czech Republic to Face Switzerland – 4.12.2018
Germany Saves Czechs by Beating Latvia, Nordic Powers Post Convincing Wins – 4.12.2018
Sweden Dominates Norway to Get Easy 9-1 Win – 3.12.2018
Estonia Beats Thailand 11-4 to End Group Stage Unbeaten – 3.12.2018
Great First Period Secures First Victory for Finland – 3.12.2018
Great Defense Gives Australia First Tournament Win over Poland – 3.12.2018
Data Analysis: Latvia vs Czech Republic 4:3 – 3.12.2018
Impressive Third Period Pushes Germany to First Win in Prague – 3.12.2018
Zubir‘s Two Goals Help Singapore Beat Japan in Front of 6,341 Spectators – 3.12.2018
Data Analysis: Finland vs Sweden 4:5 – 3.12.2018
DAY 3: Program Starts with Asian Battle, Fans to See Two Nordic Derbies – 3.12.2018
Latvia Stuns the Hosts, Slovakia and Switzerland on Scoring Surge – 3.12.2018
Estonia Wins Evening Thriller in Arena Sparta – 2.12.2018
First Tournament Surprise as Latvia Beats Czech Republic 4-3 – 2.12.2018
Battle between Canada and Singapore Ends in First Tournament Draw – 2.12.2018
Switzerland Outclasses Germany 13-1, Känzig Scores Four Goals – 2.12.2018
Japan Enters Tournament with 1-15 Loss against Slovakia – 2.12.2018
Norway Turns Score to Get First Tournament Win – 2.12.2018
Data Analysis: Germany vs Czech Republic 5:10 – 2.12.2018
DAY 2: Twelve Teams in Action, Czechs to Face Latvia – 2.12.2018