France keeps the hopes alive

14 May 2012 | Mika Leino

France beat Belarus 2-1 with a late third period goal and will qualify to the quarterfinals if they beat Slovakia in their final game.

France has become the biggest surprise in World Champs so far. At least in Helsinki group because Norway has also been a pleasant surprise in Stockholm group. France has even a chance to qualify to the quarterfinals if they can beat Slovakia in the final round. Belarus their side must still thrill for their spot in group A even though Kazakhstan needs a win against Finland in order to leave Belarus on the last spot.

France controlled the game already in the first period but somehow it was Belarus who scored the only goal by Alexei Kalyuzhny. France could try even three times on power play but there was no success this time.

Maybe it was frustration or lack of self-confidence but in the second period Belarus was the one who was controlling the game. With a better goal scoring from their chances, for example three power plays, would have killed the game already but France survived and even could score by Kevin Hecquefeuille. Also France goalie Cristobal Huet was once again playing great. By Hecquefeuille's goal Belarus goalie Vitali Koval hurt himself, most likely pulled his groin, and couldn't continue.

Third period was cautious and careful play by both sides. It already looked like an overtime and passed chances for France but Yohann Auvitu had a different opinion who scored the game winner on 3-on-2 attack.

"We wanted to have something to play for in tomorrow's game against Slovakia and we managed to do that" commented goalie Huet after the game.

For Belarus this tournament is turning into a nightmare. They certainly came to Helsinki aiming for quarterfinals but now they will fight for their place in group A. That certainly means also problems for coach Kari Heikkilä to keep his job.