ERZURUM – Four classification games in the men’s competition were played today, February 4th.
Korea beat host Turkey 4-1. Team Korea scored two goals in the first period gaining the lead in the game. While the second period remained scoreless, the Koreans started the third with another goal. Halfway the period Altuntas brought some joy for the Turks scoring a goal. However, within the last minute of the game Korea scored an open netter as the Turkish coach had pulled the goalie.
The game Slovenia versus Spain had a little extra ring to it as it was the clash of the future WU hosts (Maribor 2013 & Granada 2015). However, Team Slovenia overpowered the young Spanish team as they won 8-0.
The game between USA and Japan was another thriller. Team USA got in the lead and kept going, although the Japanese pursuit was determined. The single USA goal in the first period was equalized by Team Nippon early in the second. However, Team USA retaliated twice bringing the lead to a 3-1 on the scoreboard. In the last period both teams scored twice, but for Japan this was not enough to overpower the USA. Final score USA-Japan: 5-3
Not so long ago they would have been teammates, but fate made them face-off today as two neighboring countries in a genuine thriller that ended 3-2 in favor of Slovakia.
CAN vs. USA
In the women’s competition, the semi-finals were played. The first semi was played between Finland and Slovakia. Last edition’s bronze medallist defeated Slovakia 5-1 and will play the final.
The second women’s final was between Canada and USA. Canada entered the game as favorite and never had any problem with Team USA. The Canadians added another victory to their record beating their neighbors 8-1.
Canada will play Finland for the gold while USA and Slovakia will battle for the bronze.
C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer
The backbone of the Turkish team goalie Erol Kahraman
Spanish goalie Ander Alcaine-Val
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