Romania rains on Croatia parade

17 Apr 2011 | Davide Tuniz

Decisive game in Zagreb has an unexpected end: Romania wins gold playing a great game. Ireland is relegated in Division III

Celebrations were ready, 3000 spectators crowded Dom Sportova in Zagreb to commemorate the return of home team in Division I after a perfect campaign: just a last snag, Romania. Despite the same 100% record, Romanian weren't considered favourite, but the hardest sparring partner, to finally sealed Bruno Bregant's team triumph. But ice told another story: Croatia closed first period with minimum advantage thanks to a Borna Rendulic beatiful goal after 05 minutes, but then power play situations become decisive: at 25:17 - Kresimir Svigir in the sinbin - Zsombor Antal ties game, Croatia didn't change its arrogant attitudine, missing several chances and be punished in the first superiority situation for Romania in last period at 44:49 when Magor Petres received from Molnar and found the net hushing the arena. after the goal Croatia appeared shocked and last period flows relatively quite until last minutes when Bregant pull goalie Tomljenovic and Dominik Kanaet wasted a capital chance to equalize game. World Championship that was a triumphant march for Croatia finished with a terrible hoax. On the other side Romania, considered a declining nation, surprised for its solidity and good tactics, coach Tom Skinner did a great job and now reap the fruit. In the afternoon, Ireland took leave from Division II conceding 14 goals to Iceland, while China earned three point in a pleasant game versus Bulgaria ended 12-6

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