today 09:40
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The Slovak hockey players advanced to the semifinals of the Olympic tournament after a great performance, when they defeated the favored selection of the United States 3: 2 after the raids in a dramatic duel. What do the personalities of our hockey say about this success?
The last time Czech medalist Vladimír Vůjtek won a medal with Slovakia in 2012 at the World Championships, who yesterday predicted for ŠPORT.sk that the chances of success in the quarterfinals is not small.
“Slovaks are currently playing good hockey. They skate well, they have an experienced defense, they know how to play well technically. When the goalkeeper catches the same as today, the chances are great, “he said after winning over Germany.
Goalkeeper Patrik Rybár caught well, neutralized 33 of 35 shots. He seized several huge chances and finally did not let a single puck behind his back in separate raids. The only successful shooter in the raids was Peter Cehlárik, who thus decided Slovakia’s progress into the top four.
“It’s great. They played a balanced game, they were able to play until the end and they managed to play without a goalkeeper. It’s always a lottery for raids, but Peter Cehlárik was better than everyone else, ” said Vladimír Vůjtek after the match.
Former goalkeeper Eduard Hartmann also praised Patrik Rybár’s performance. “Ever since he came to the goal, he has given great performances. It seems huge in the goal. Keeping your nerves in such tense raids is admirable. ”
He, too, was overjoyed to win over the favored United States. “It’s amazing. Advancing to the top four at the Olympics is a huge success. We just have to congratulate the guys. They have two chances for the medal and I believe they will use the first one. “
Former coach Ľubomír Pokovič also enjoyed the victory. “It’s great, it was very dramatic. We were able to withstand the initial pressure from the Americans. Since Patrik Rybár stepped into the goal, he catches well.
The whole team plays with him completely differently, they can rely on him. He crowned it with performance in separate raids. He didn’t give the Americans a chance, it wasn’t caught with luck, he read everything, “ evaluated Pokovič.
Slovakia last advanced to the semifinals at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, and Marián Gáborík also remembers this tournament. “Brutal, what should I say? Great news for Slovakia and our hockey. Performance was constantly improving, today they delivered really great – from the goalkeeper, through the defenders, to Cehlárik. Hat down, we’re moving on. The tournament is not over yet and I believe that they will bring home a pancake. “
How did he survive the match in front of the TV screen? “I was nervous. I would be lying if I said no. Our strength proved to be the second balancing goal. Maximum emphasis, combativeness and raids are no longer enough. But Cehlárik showed up. I knew where it was going to shoot. It was an elusive shot. Patrik Rybár closed the door. Hats off to everyone. ”
Juraj Slafkovský, a 17-year-old, scored again. For the fifth time in the fifth match. How does former shooter Gáborík see his shooting form? Will Slafkovsky follow in his footsteps?
“I don’t know if he will be a pure shooter. This tournament really works out for him. But it will be a player who can score a goal and play two-way hockey. It will be valid in every position, as well as weaknesses and overrides.
He is very strong on the puck. Seeing his self-confidence grow over time. He is disciplined, he believes. He plays really perfectly. Five goals in five matches, that’s a great chance to be the MVP of the tournament. However, everyone wants collective success, which means a medal. The boys are aware of this and are preparing for more fights. “
