Was that already? You ask yourself that after the first third of the bronze game of the World Cup in Finland. The US striker Kuhlman has just netted a shorthander to take a 3-1 lead against the Czech Republic and has already scored a double (1-0).
The Americans find their way around faster in this duel of semi-final losers. The Czechs, coached by Kari Jalonen (ex SCB), seem as if they haven’t yet come to terms with the 6-1 defeat against Canada.
Only the 1:2 goal by Cernoch gets them out of their passivity. It is expected that the parade storm around Lakers top scorer Cervenka and Pastrnak (Boston) and Krejci (ex Boston) will orchestrate the turnaround, but this trio is well kept in check by the US boys, their final positions are rarely promising. US captain Seth Jones, who conceded $9.5m at Chicago, has the defense under control – which consists of only four defenders.
But the Czechs don’t let themselves be shaken off that easily. Smejkal works out the 2:3 goal. And the Americans have to be careful not to let the game slip out of their hands. NHL star Pastrnak confirmed this just 51 seconds after the first face-off in the final third.
And they still haven’t had enough: the suddenly unleashed Czechs turn the duel within three minutes. Previously, Jalonen changed goalkeepers and took apart the parade storm. The change is having an effect: Cervenka screams his emotions in his 176th international match after his goal to make it 4: 3, Pastrnak follows twice 68 seconds later, in the end he even has a hat trick.
The US team can no longer react and loses 4:8. A long dry spell is coming to an end for the Czechs: For the first time since 2012, they win the bronze medal at the World Championships. (NA)