The boys were bound by nervousness, Jalonen admitted. He didn’t want to spoil the feeling of victory in the cabin
/ VIDEO / It seemed like a lot of trouble. The Czech hockey players waited for the first goal until the middle of the match, nevertheless Kari Jalonen maintained stoic calm on the substitution. The Finnish coach had no doubt that his premiere for the national team at the World Cup would be victorious. Instead, he observed some stress in his charges. “The boys looked very nervous. But I understand that, the first match brings it, “explained Jalonen. His team managed to enter the tournament and beat Britain 5: 1.
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The Czech hockey players entered the World Cup in Finland with a 5: 1 win over Great Britain.
| Photo: ČTK / Michal Kamaryt
Rough interplay, full of inaccuracies. In the first third of the opening performance in Finland, nervousness crept on Czech hockey sticks. “There were a lot of bad passes and bouncing pucks,” Jalonen noticed.
“I can’t tell if he’s nervous. We didn’t play for a week… But that’s no excuse, “emphasized Captain Roman Červenka, who scored three goal assists.
But over time, the game calmed down. “After the break, we looked more relaxed and started playing our game. I liked how we managed the second and third period. That’s the way we want to play. I like the result, “Jalonen smiled.
A lukewarm start, then a cool win. The Czechs defeated Britain at the beginning of the World Cup
There was no speech in the booth after the successful premiere. “I just congratulated the boys. My principle is that I don’t talk much to players after the match. I don’t want to ruin their sense of victory. “
In the end, the Czech team took a win, which they will secure with a great performance by debuting goalkeeper Lukáš Dostál. “I have to appreciate his performance, he did a good job and gave us a chance to win the match,” the coach praised.
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“It was my first national team match and the start of the World Cup right away, so it’s a boy’s dream come true. I really appreciate it. I enjoyed it, “Dostál shone. “The boys played great, they helped me a lot. It was great. Winning is important. We are very happy for that start. “
The attacking stars from the NHL were overshadowed by the fighters from the extra league, who managed the Czech offensive and took care of all the goals. Matěj Blümel won twice, once Jakub Flek. Jiří Černoch and David Jiříček scored for the first time at the world tournament. “Young boys like Jiříček and Blümel will remember this day for the rest of their lives,” Jalonen said. “Four goals scored by two lines, that’s always good.”
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On Sunday, it will be his turn to learn about the heavier caliber. In the duel of medal aspirants, the Czechs will share it with the Swedes, who defeated Austria 3: 1 in the first duel. “I haven’t had time to think about the Swedes yet, I’ve focused on us. I didn’t even see the match. It will definitely be a different match, it will be more about the defense, “Jelonen was clear.
The expected number one Karel Vejmelka should appear in the goal. “We have a plan for the first two matches,” confirmed the Finnish coach.