It would be a very even game in the fight regarding 7th place in the tournament.
– I think we played a really good game, we were always at the ball. It was hard to score because Russia played a really good defence, but it was a great game, says MVP for Slovakia Denisa Papiernikova.
The first goal during the Saturday’s playoff was scored by Slovakia, three minutes into their game against Russia. After a tight and somewhat apprehensive first period, Russia managed to equalize to 1-1 by a goal from Mariia Fedotova. The result then remained unmodified until the first break.
Early in the second period, Slovakia had the chance to retake the lead in power play, but Russia managed to defend themselves during the two-minute penalty. Nevertheless, Slovakia’s second goal of the day would come. Half-way through the second period Laura Chupekova scored 2-1.
But Russia would not give in without a fight, in the beginning of the third period they equalized once again. They even got the chance to, for the first time in the game, take the lead when they were adjudicated a penalty shot, but the goal never happened and in contrary Slovakia scored 3-2 just seconds later. Russia would keep trying to even out the score yet another time, but they never actually got close. The Slovaks won the game with 3-2 and thereby placed themselves in 7th place.
MVP Russia: Anzhela Mydrova
MVP Slovakia: Denisa Papiernikova
You can follow all the games of the tournament at IFF:s YouTube channel, click the link here.