Sport Centre
19-12-2009

Victory for British, the Hungarians Lost in Phoenix Hall

The IIHF World U20 Championship Division II has ended with the victory of Great Britain in Phoenix Hall, Debrecen. After a 4-4 tie and overtime the British won the shootout against Hungarians on Saturday and earned the promotion to division I.

The Hungarians' final was preceded by the Spain versus Mexico match early in the afternoon. The Spanish squad played well all throughout the Championships - proved the expectations - and deserving the bronze medal won against the Mexicans ending the game 6-0.  The scorers were Vazquez (2), Munoz (2), Boronat and Gonzalez but the whole team smiled happily with the bronze medal in their necks. 

The Hungarian fans arrived happily to Phoenix Hall; almost 2500 spectators had faith in the victory of the hosts and their way to division I., but they got disapointed. The first period was dramatic. Although Hungary opened the scoring with Popovics's goal at 1:17 Duggan and later Ben Davies scored -being the latter questionable - and the second period started with the British closer to promotion. The tough and close battle on the ice was matching to a World Championship final. 

The second period brought many exciting moments as well: enjoying the fantastic atmosphere Popovics's second and Somogyi's first goal made the hosts to lead again but the Anglo-Saxons counter attacked and and turned again with Ian Bowie's double. 

The grand fight continued in the third period and the Hungarian Nemes tied the game. Then came the overtime, plenty of missed scores, finally a shootout was required. This time the British were better and won the World Championship stepping up one division.

It was a horrific battle: the British were crying out loud with joy while the hosts could have cried in their sorrow. Sport is like that...

The World Championships was ended by the South-Korea versus China match: it was a memorable week.