Back where it came from

Estonia wins the “win-or-die” clash against Romania sending the opponents back to Division II a year after the promotion mainly due the superior of first line and a better fighting spirit. Romania really demonstrates to be a weaker team than their opponents, clearly defeat in all the confrontations. Opposing the teams at the bottom of table, game wasn’t spectacular but tense, due the stakes. With full rosters, except defender Filipp Shvarogin in Estonia, never aligned during the tournament and Koitmaa – Onodi in the net, the best emotion in the first period, besides some shots from long distance, is a post hit by Titarenko. In the second period Romania could open the score after three minutes when Lorincz is stopped at the last inch before the cage by a defender. The first goal comes at 31:51 after a mistake by defender Alpar Sallo getting out the puck from defensive zone: Vasili Titarenko intercepts serving Roman Andrejev in front of the goalie, classy finishing between the leg and 1-0 Estonia. Also after the goal game continues slow and boring with less scoring chances from both sides until second Estonian goal, scoring by the first line, as usual happened: puck from Rooba to Petrov, assist for the one-timer of Andrei Makrov, Onodi saves but puck slips in the net. Vasjonkin wastes an incredible chances missing the net on Parras pass before to earn a penalty shot at the last second of period, converting for 3-0 at the siren.

Vadim Vasjonkin scoring the third goal on penalty shot

In the last 20 minutes Romania survives to a couple of power play and has a chance to open the score with Moldovan, stopped by Koitmaa, while Estonia seems to settle for the results controlling the game and closing another World Championship with the goal expected, surviving in the Division I. Romania  finished pointless a disappointing campaign, proved the lack of competitiveness at this level

Romanian players standing for the national anthem performing by the fans

MVP:  Vadim Vasjonkin – Robert Peter

Estonia Best Player on Tournament: Robert Rooba

Romania Best Player on Tournament: Zsombor Molnar

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