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Slovakia vs USA

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Slovakia - USA 6 – 3 (0-0,1-1,5-2)

In today's second game the two other prime candidates for the final faced each other, the USA and Slovakia. Both teams stared cautiously into the game. And both defensive departments worked well, holding of the opponents from scoring during the first fifteen minutes. So the opening period of a good and fast game ended scoreless.

In the third minute of the central period, it was Matus Palocko who opened the score for Slovakia on a breakaway on a pass from Tomas Pospisil. This goal was good for the progress of the game, which became now much more open. In the 7^th minute Anthony Citriniti could equalise for the North Americans. The crowd in the Stadthalle Villach saw an excellent game of ballhockey, with slight but growing optical advantage on the side of the Slovak team.

In the closing period the Slovak pressure on the USA goal became stronger. It was finally Martin Kollar assited by Martin Obuch who gave the Slovaks the lead again. The Slovaks felt probably a little bit too safe. This allowed Joe Trapani to equalise for the USA again. The Europeans pressed on and took the lead again only minutes later. Pospisil did the scoring with Palocko providing the assists. But again the USA was able to tie the game once more. Nick Carter scored on the power play assisted by Nick long. The Slovaks pressed for the lead again, but the Americans defended themselves well. Finally the Europeans made profit of a five on three power play to get ahead again. Roman Homolka netted the ball assisted by Tomas Vidar and Rober Maier with a little bit more the 3 minutes on the clock. Now the team USA was no longer able to react. They had to allow another goal by Obuch (assisted by Martin Kovac and Matej Kontura) on the second penalty and a third one by Kollar assisted by Adrian Palak only a minute later.

Slovakia made a first step into the direction of the final. The team will face tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm the Czech Republic a game that might turn out crucial for both teams. The USA will face Germany tomorrow afternoon and needs a win to stay in the race for the final.

President's note

George Gortsos
ISBHF president

This past weekend I had the honour of becoming the third President of the ISBHF. I believe that as a player and coach I have always strived to play ball hockey in a skilled and team way. Now I have a chance to work with all the great leaders of our sport throughout the World who love the game like we all do. I met some great people in Paris. And I would like to thank the representatives of all our member nations who voted me in on behalf of ball hockey players around the World. This is an honour I will handle with the honesty and hard work that made me a successful player and coach. I want to share the main keys that I will strive to work with my fellow board members to make this game better around the World.
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