Canada Czechs them out

Czechs started the first period very actively and Canada was more awaiting what the opponent comes with. This led to a couple of good scoring opportunities for Team Czech, however, the effectivity and productivity appeared to be the key to win the session.

Regardless a slight dominance in puck possession by the Czech Republic, Jordan Eberle received a beautiful pass to a breakaway from Sidney Crosby in the ninth minute. Eberle attracted attention of both the Czech starting goalie Ondrej Pavelec and the last man standing Michal Vondrka. in the last second he decides not to shot, but rather pass it to Tyler Hall who had a wide-open net to score in - 1:0.

"After all, it was a really close hockey game, so we were lucky to get the first goal," means Crosby, one of assistants on the opening goal.

In an even worse situation Team Czech Rep. appeared one minute before the game`s half. At first a Czech defenseman Jakub Krejcik did not convert his wristshot in a tying goal. And the next transition of play to the other side ended up by another goal Canada. Spezza hid his wristshot behind Krejčík, thus Pavelec saw it in the last moment and had no chance to react - 2:0

"Probably it was a turning moment," said Krejcik on the situation which instead of equalizing the score led to doubling the Canadian lead.

Shocked Czechs lost the tempo, appearing in their attacking zone just rarely. When they finally penetrated it and Michal Jordan`s shot from the blueline ended in Mike Smith`s goal, it was cancelled by referee due to Petr Koukal`s position in the goalie crease.

"I saw the situation on video," Krejcik says, "I do not think Koukal interfered with Smith that it was necessary to cancel the goal."

The goal was disallowed.

Rather hard task then appeared for the host nation before start of the third period. If it was another rival, Czechs could switch to the attacking only mode, but playing like that against Canada would be a suicide mission. Still, the two goals defeat was on the board and there was nothing to wait for.

But actually, not so much happened during the last twenty minutes. The game continued to be equal from both sides, but careful Canadians did not allow the opponent to have either breakways or some longer periods spent in their defensive zone.

Thus quite calmly, the game ended up with score 2-0 for Canada, which becomes the first recognized finalist.

"I have never had the opportunity to play finlas on the Worlds, so I am looking forward to," a Canadian defenseman Jake Muzzin told.

The Czech Republic is getting one more shot to get a trophy in a bronze medal game.

Opponents to both clubs will be known after tonight`s second semifinals between USA and Russia.

Tweets by @eurohockey