The sentenced and the executioner meet again. Slovakia will try to get the essential points.

The Czechs have been terrifying. They won group D by collecting nine points out of nine for three victories against Latvia (4:2), Denmark (6:0) and Finland (2:1). They are taking six of them to the qualification which is the most points of all twelve teams. If they want to qualify they just need to win one match or achieve one point and rely on opponents’ failure.

The Slovaks are dealing with a much more difficult situation. With zero points to help them out they must overrun Finland which has a three-point reserve and the crucial game stands in their way as first. Slovaks are going to crash into their biggest rival of all times since Czechoslovakia fell apart in 1993. Czechs disappointed their brothers for too many times in last eleven years and now they have another chance.

"We´ve got to relax and not think too far ahead. We should concentrate on what is going on the ice, try to play a good first period, shot the first goal to give us some foundations to build on, " said Slovakian top D-man Ľubomír Višňovský about the upcoming match. "We know it is going to be tough, but we have to cope with it, because we don´t have other possibilities, "he added.

If Slovakia doesn´t improve their defensive game they will regret it soon. The offensive force that is awaiting them is of the most dangerous kind. It is possible that Slovak coach Glen Hanlon will start the game with Jan Lašák in the net instead of Jaroslav Halák who allowed nine goals in three games.

 

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