Czechs wanted more, but are happy with bronze

20 May 2012 | David Schlegel

The Czech team missed on Saturday a big chance to fight for the gold medals against Slovakia. On the next day they proved against Finland, that competing for the bronze medals, they are long-time the most successful team. Czechs scored all their goals in the 1st period. Finland seemed to be a better team, but Stepanek in the Czech goal was better than his opponent on Sunday.

"We deserved this medal. It was not an easy tournament. We scored three goals in the 1st period and then closed it down. We really wanted the bronze," said Czech captain Tomas Plekanec.

Finns had 14 shots in the 3th period, but were unable to equalize the score."We had a great game against Sweden and today we fought very hard," added Plekanec.

However, Czechs wanted more. They are not used to lose to Slovaks, they beat them twice earlier this season. "When we go to the Worlds, we always want the medal. We proved it again," said Tomas Plekanec, who is at his 6th World Championship.

"The best teams in hockey are very equal. Slovaks had problems to beat France. It was 4-4 in the 3rd period and Slovakia almost did not make it to the quarterfinals for the 5th straight time. Now they are in the finals. It is not easy to go through and win a medal," added Jakub Nakladal, who is at his 1st championship.

Nakladal in the game against Russia

Nakladal was already in Bratislava, where the Czechs took bronze as well, but he did not manage to get to the official roster. Against Finland, he went three times to the penalty bench. "Once it was an unnecessary foul, but we survived that. The other one was unwanted."