Sport Centre
16-12-2009

Victory of the Favorites

The matches of the third day of the World Ice Hockey Championship in Debrecen brought victory for the favorites. Great Britain and Hungary are still heading to the grand final on Saturday that will decide who earns the promotion.

The first match of the day in Phoenix Hall between the winless teams of China and Mexico was an exciting game. The Chinese started the game with a 3-0 lead but the Mexicans did not give up and scored two goals afterwards. The third period started with China leading 4-2 and ended 6-3. The superior play of China brought a deserved victory and valuable points for the them. “The team didn’t have its 100% performance, I’m not quite satisfied. The gap between the two teams’ capabilities is a lot bigger than what the results show. The game against the Hungarians will be a tough one on Friday”, Xiaobo Guan, Chinese coach said. 

The host team’s biggest rival - Great Britain - met the Spanish team on Wednesday. The team played a dramatic match running into overtime and finally winning it. The first period showed an excellent game: Lee gave the British a lead with a big shot from the blue line. The goal was doubled by Mathew Davies but the Hispanic team was resistant, Vasquez and Munoz - equalized the score on powerplay. The second period started 2-2, the close game went on when the Spanish could turn the match; Duggan’s goal was answered by Vasquez and Munoz again. The British Team started off the third period from 3-4 and although Bowie and Norton both scored a goal Munoz’ third shot brought the game into overtime. Duggan scored sudden victory goal at 2:08 of overtime thus becoming a hero of the day. Great Britain won 6-5 the most exciting game of the World Championship so far but the performance of Team Spain was also deserving. Peter Russell, British coach was relieved after the match. He said: “My players were frustrated all throughout the game but maybe the Spanish were too good, I don’t know. Things happened that I can’t explain, but in overtime luck was on our side. We will definitely need luck against Hungarians as well…

And he is right in that: the host team played a thrilling game against South-Korea. Thanks to Somogyi they took the lead immediately at 00:37, then in front of the cheering crowd of almost a thousand of fans two further goals were scored on five minutes shorthand by Nemes and Pavuk. The second period opened with 3-0 and the Hungarians dominated the game increasing their lead to five goals thanks to Popovics and Bartalis. There was no question in the third period; the hosts scored again (Somogyi) and won 6-0. “Victory was not easy: We made it to be so as we missed quality scoring opportunities. The South-Koreans were more resistant to us then to the British Team but we fought and could win and that’s what is important”, said J.P. MacCallum, the Hungarians’ captain.

Thursday will be a day-off. On Friday, the Championship will continue in Phoenix Hall: Spain vs. South-Korea (13:00) Great Britain vs. Mexico (16:30) and Hungary vs. (China 20:00)

Entrance is free of charge!