FIRS World Championship - Mens

[quick_dry]

Figured it could do with it's own thread. The official website (English version). http://beroun2010.com/index_eng.asp

Today was official practice day, last 45 minutes on the rink before it all starts. Some of the other teams have organized more practice games tonight.

Any other IHC people here besides myself and Matt?

[quick_dry]

Practice game - Spain v France. France won it about 5-0, Spain with a couple of chances. Game cut short for Czech to train.

[nummer55]

I'm here for Revision with my buddy Marco. We're doing some coverage at our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/rveurope

[quick_dry]

Was that you guys recording interviews after the Canada v Spain game?

[nummer55]

Jup, that's me...

[towson9]

incase anyone wants to watch the usa vs columbia game. usa wins 10-0 in first RR game.

http://online-prenosy.new.tvcom.cz/video/5271-in-line-hockey-usa-vs-colombia-world-championship-firs-men.htm

[Ronnie Williams]

from: Lukas Peroutka

United States came into this quarter final as a clear favorite after winning their last group game against Switzerland comfortably 6-2, while Italy had to chase their decisive group game with Spain from 0-2 down. However, US performance in the first half was far from convincing and battling Italian display was good enough to secure them an unexpected lead.

At 5:19, two of best Italian players Comencini and Mantese worked together to create an opening, Claudio Mantese came in front of goal from the corner and his precise shot was aimed near the right post of US goal to beat goalkeeper Brown. Group of Italian fans in the stands must have been pleased, Italians were able to match their opponent in almost every aspect and held their slim lead all the way until half time. Goalkeeper Thomas Commisso was star of the game, making some tremendous saves to keep the clean sheet.

Six minutes into the second half, Mosele failed to convert a clear goal scoring chance and Italy paid the price as couple of seconds later, Frigo´s penalty was punished by Ryan Bond´s accurate shot from the slot above keeper´s glove – 1:1. The key moment came ten minutes from time when Travis Fudge did not hesitate, released a hard slap-shot from top of the circle and Commisso´s pad was too late at his right post.

Italy did not give themselves up, chased the puck all over the rink, but could not convert any of their shots into a goal scoring chance, not even on a power play called three minutes before the end of second half. Italian coach pulled the goalie in the last minute and Stricker produced a good slap-shot in dying seconds, but goalie Brown and his defenders held on to secure a semifinal spot for Team USA. "Italy was close to victory when they were leading. During the half time we had to calm down, we knew that we can score goals. Our problem are penalties, so we have to improve it," said Ryan Bond of Team USA.

USA will play the winner of the Czech vs Mexico on Friday, July 16 in a semi-final match.

[Ronnie Williams]

from: Tomas Pavlicek

USA 8 - Czech 3

"In a clash of two title favorites, some might have considered this game to be an early final. Team USA went into this game with a record that was far from impressive, doing well in all important games, but winning them narrowly by a goal or two and losing a group game against France. On the other hand, Czech Republic enjoyed a successful campaign that saw them beat Italy, Spain, Canada and their quarterfinal opponent Mexico in a record 13-1 victory.

However, all was unimportant when both teams lined up on the rink of Beroun stadium for a clash that was played in searing heat of more than 30 degrees Celsius. And it was Team USA, who started to assert their authority almost immediately when Messina finished a quick break to take an early lead. Czechs fought back two minutes later when Rachunek proved great anticipation to rebound his own shot deflected off the back boards. This was the last time Czech Republic was even in score. Shortly after, two players were sent to a penalty box at the same time and USA made the most of it, Messina and Fudge taking the score to 3-1.

Shock start for the home crowd was about to continue thanks to Laricchia and Fudge´s second goal. Vozdecky managed to pull one back late in the first half, but the score 2-5 was fully deserved and brought despair onto the sticks of Czech players. Balazs´s shot over the crossbar of open net early in the second half was the last real chance for Czech Republic to get back into the game. With home team taking more risks, Americans used their opportunities to make the margin in score even bigger. Fudge completed his hat-trick, Sgrillo and Cadiz added another goals and Sinagl´s correction was only a small joy for a Czech team. By that time, the winner of this game was decided long ago."


USA against Swiss Saturday, July 17, 2010 in the GOLD Medal game. You can keep up with the action online at http://beroun2010.com/index_eng.asp