Fantastic Balogáč foils Canadian offensive! Slovakia U23 secures a narrow victory

Slovakia started the game inconspicuously, yet effectively. Gerhard Longauer won the ball behind Allin's net and quickly propelled it, finding the only open space near the post. The Canadians had an immediate chance to equalize, but Balogáč saved both Rawji's and Robinson's rebounds. Canada spent most of the time in the offensive zone, while the Slovaks relied on quick counter-attacks. One such counter-attack resulted in Slovakia doubling its lead as Matej Pisarovič surprised Allin with a shot to the front post. The Canadians weren't pleased with the score, and the game significantly intensified. On a power play, Brent Broaders cut the margin in half with a superb shot under the crossbar. It was unbeatable Jakub Balogáč, however, who stole the spotlight with an extraordinary performance in the dying minutes, enabling Slovakia to grasp a sensational victory against Canada.

Svijanska Arena 1

1-2

(0:1, 0:1, 1:0)

Canada U23 - Slovakia U23

Penalties

7:12

PPG

1:0

SHG

0:0

Shots on goal

21:18

Goals and assists

43. Broaders (Rawji) – 2. Longauer (Tomkovič), 29. Pisarovič (Straka)

Referees

Gráca, Musil

Official game sheet

Canada U23

Allin (Petrelli) – Maher (C), Burke, Sahota (A), Dosanjh, Smilsky M., Granitto, Fenwick, Battaglia – Rawji, Keough (A), Broaders – Kelly, Richards, Smilsky N. – Robinson, Neilson, Wyatt – Lock, Oleksiuk, Gosse

Slovakia U23

Balogáč (Fedor) – Černák, Lopušan, Jenčuš, Kaščák (C), Gajdoš (A), Cifranič, Solník, Muráň, Horváth – Straka, Korbáš, Hryzák – Tomkovič, Longauer, Pisarovič – Kolenčík, Štefanka, Béreš – Zummer, Čirč (A), Polák – Prna

COACHES´ REACTIONS

Dave Weloy (CAN): "I have to highlight the Slovak defense; it was absolutely perfect. It was very difficult for us to score a goal. We have a lot of heart-driven players in the team who never give up, and I am very proud of them."

Marián Gregorík (SVK): "Matches against Canada are never easy. We expected it to be very tough and competitive. We had too many penalties that influenced the course of the game. It drained a lot of our energy, but fortunately, it turned out well for us."