In the opening game of the World Cup, Nuoret Leijonat thrashed Denmark exactly as it should have been. Final numbers 6–2 for Finland.
Oliver Suvanto played the first match of his career in the under-20 national team and immediately scored a goal. AOP / TIIA MAHKONEN
Finland dominated the match from start to finish, and Denmark was unable to achieve anything in the big picture, apart from individual situations.
The strong men of the Finnish team were Roope Vesterinen, who scored two goals, and 0+3 points Jesper Kuhta.
Oliver Suvanto, Onni Kalto and Aatos Koivu scored in their first World Cup game.
– I was able to hit the loose puck in. It’s my job, said Suvanto, only 17 years old.
– After all, it is really important to score a goal right away in the opening game of the tournament. Yes, it felt good. But in the future, the resistance will only get stronger, Suvanto, who plays in Tappara, continued.
– It was a memorable evening. Scoring felt good, that’s all I can say. It brings more self-confidence and it’s nice that I was able to help the team, Koivu stated.
Satisfied Mikkola
Aatos Koivu debuted in the under-20 World Cup tournament. The TPS attacker scored one goal. AOP / TIIA MAHKONEN
Head coach Lauri Mikkola was naturally satisfied after the big opening win.
– We got to attack a lot today. We were effective in two sets and in the third set there were still places for additional goals.
The head coach was satisfied with the fact that many first-timers at the World Cup level were able to score right away.
– Our theme is that it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. But yes, these are important achievements for the players.
Captain Aron Kiviharju was awarded as the best of the Young Lions.
On Saturday, Leijonat will perform ice training and prepare certain new game-related matters.
Difficult in Denmark
Denmark’s task at the World Cup is difficult. Its almost only chance to stay in the A series is to beat Latvia in the December 30 game. The other teams in group B are probably too tough opponents for the Jews.
The Boxing Day match was the fourth meeting between the two countries at the World Cup. The last time the teams faced each other was in the 2018 tournament.
Finland’s World Cup tournament continues on Sunday with a game against physical Latvia starting at 11:30 p.m.