A lethal one-two-three

Croatia earns first three points in Belfast by beating Netherlands, still pointless and continuing flirting with relegation, today on ice without possibly its best player so far, Nardo Nagtzaam - attending a funeral in the Netherland - and probably putting all the hopes to avoid relegation in the clash with Estonia. With another goalies duo comparing the last game – Tomljenovic is back for Croatia and Schotel begin the game for Netherlands, the Enio Saciolotto’s team needs 2 minute to open the score: after a great chance not capitalized by Mislav Blagus, it’s a classy solo by Ivan Jankovic to result in 1-0 Croatia. Netherlands has two chances with Jeffrey Melisant, both saved by the goalie before a lethal one-two-three punch hurled by Croatia in 20 seconds around minute 13: Borna Rendulic (13:29), Matija Milicic (13:41) and Luka Jarcov (13:50) extinguishes all wishes of Netherlands to stay in the game and forcing coach Eimers to switch the goalie. The second period begins with the same plot: naïve mistake by Dutch defence getting out the defensive zone, puck recovered by Rendulic and assist for the easy finishing by Blagus. Even if the rhythm decreases Croatia still leads with no problems the game, close to sixth goal with a missile from the distance by Jacmenjak, a chance for Rendulic and a deflection of Zanoski, all saved by Idzenga. For Netherlands Donny Vanmusscher and Jeffrey Melissant have two chances to reduce the gap but Tomljenovic is reactive in both circumstances. Croat goalie soil his sheet at 37:25 when Raymond van der Schuit finds the right angle to open the score for his team. The period ends with a spectacular dive of Tomljenovic to snatch a puck hurled in the open net by Bruijsten. After a terrible mistake by Van Bentem, losing the puck while skating alone towards Tomljenovic, Idzenga makes a remarkable save stopping the penalty shot of Rendulic. With the fate of the game already decided, Croatia loosen its grip giving space for some Dutch chances and a couple of power play well played by the oranje, useful to keep Croats away from Idzenga, pressurised by some counterattacks. When Netherlands earns a double superiority finally the second goal comes: Steve Mason finds Raymond van der Schuit in the crease for the punctual deflection. Before the end there is space for the most beautiful goal of the match, a shorthanded solo by captain Borna Radulic, sealing an easy victory for Croatia and a defeat more for Netherlands, sadly in the bottom of the standing.

MVP: Sjoerd Idzenga – Mislav Blagus

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