Latvia still has a chance to go home from Tampere as a World Cup medalist.
Canada defeated Latvia in the World Cup semi-final 4–2 and advanced to the final. The match was a thrilling thriller in which Latvia led twice.
A boost to the World Cup tournament Latvia will play for the World Cup bronze medal on Sunday.
– Latvia’s story is great. It played an up-and-coming tournament. They are the winners of the tournament, even if they don’t play for the win, yin Pekka Virta Latvian performance.
Along the way, Latvia knocked out three big puck countries. Supported by a fanatical home crowd, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Sweden fell behind.
– At the beginning, they got 0-6 defeats from Canada, but they slowly moved forward to build the tournament. Jymypommi was Sweden’s first song in the quarterfinals. It’s great that the tournament produces such surprises, Virta thinks.
Not lucky
Latvia defeated three big puck countries at the World Cup and is playing a great tournament. The team will play for the bronze medal on Sunday. PDO
Latvia is an enthusiastic hockey country. There are currently no actual superstars in the country, but there is good work being done with the sport.
– This is by no means a matter of luck. Ice hockey in Europe is growing. The quality of the series is improving. This is a long tournament. Nobody ends up winning or losing by luck there. Of course, you can win a single game with luck, Virta thinks.
– Winning will certainly bring enthusiasm to all of Latvian hockey.
With its success, Latvia confused the slightly stale top team of the World Hockey Championships. Canada is in the World Cup finals for the fourth time in a row. Leijonat is also a familiar guest when the World Cup gold is decided.
Finnish puck in front
Canada, mocked as a pub team at the beginning of the games, cleared its way to the World Cup final. The team is excellently assembled and role-played for the World Cup tournament. It will play in the final for the fourth time in a row. PDO
Petteri Nummelin is part of the Latvian team’s coaching team.
– That is a positive thing. Teams from different countries have or have had Finnish coaches. It can be seen in the way these countries play.
– Today, Finland already has to play against Finnish hockey in the World Cup tournament. It will be interesting to see where the game develops again in the next tournament, Virta thinks.
Virta praises World Cup finalist Canada’s tactical play.
In the video above, see Virtra’s thoughts on Latvia, as well as on Canada, who made it to the World Cup final.