Ice Hockey Qualification – Olympic Games Beijing 2022 – Belarus wants to beat Slovakia – SPORT.sk

Craig Woodcroft’s charges returned to the game with a victory in their second match. However, after the first period it did not look rosy, they lost 0: 2 with Austria. “We talked a lot about how important it is to start a match well. But things didn’t go according to plan. They had more energy than we do, ” evaluated the coach in post-match interviews.

In the second period, he scored on the ice but a completely different team and a five-goal whirlwind led by the young New Jersey Devils star Yegor Sharangovic swept through the Austrian goal area and it was decided to win. However, the turning point did not occur on the field, but in the locker room after a failed entry into the match.

“There were no nice words. We told ourselves to wake up. Some still don’t understand where they are. But I liked the team that went out on the ice in the second period. We must continue in this spirit. “ said striker Leo Komarov, who scored two goals.

The coach denied shouting or panic in the locker room. “I did not shout at the boys. I just calmly told them that they represented their country and they had to represent it correctly. I also said that they are all very strong players, they are also strong in spirit. And it is the spirit that must lead us now. There is no room for excuses, everyone is well prepared and obliged to take on the role of leader. ”

The Belarusians have made sure that the flame of hope for the Olympics does not go out, but they are still waiting for the last step, which tends to be the most difficult. It is obvious to everyone in the cabin that the Slovak favorites will not want to allow them after two wins.

“This return means a lot to the team. But we still have a lot of work to do, a match with Slovakia. We study them honestly, they will definitely be a good and difficult opponent. We will be ready. I won’t say more about that, ” the coach closed the topic, who also watched the duel of Slovakia and Poland from the stands with several players.

Striker Alexei Protas believes that his team put off the best at the end of the qualification. “I don’t think we will lose. Everyone understands how important the next match is. We are preparing to show our best hockey, “ boldly asserted.

Team Šarangovič also knows the recipe for success. “The most important thing will be to play as a team. Play active and aggressive hockey, which the coach promotes. If we stick to the system, we will have the moments we had in the second third. ”

The national teams have a day off on Saturday, but the Belarusians do not plan group training on the eve of the match for everything. Each player will have a more or less individual program. “We’ll see how the boys feel. Those who need to stay in shape will train. Those who need rest will get it. “ said the coach.

Read also

Olympic Games Beijing 2022: Everything you need to know about the Olympic qualification