Slovakia U18 narrowly edged USA to finish first

The USA started the game on a high note as they scored from their first major chance. Sab DiBenedetto finished a quick counter-attack with a powerful shot from the right circle. However, the Slovaks got fired up and equalized at the beginning of the second period when David Novajovský punished a mistake by the US defense. A tight battle stayed level for a long time, with both teams focusing primarily on not making mistakes. But it was Slovakia who had the edge over their opponents in the end. Matej Zajac intercepted an American pass, propelling his team to a 2-1 win, and securing the first place after the group stage. Slovakia will play Canada in the semifinals while the USA will clash against Czechia.

Svijanska Arena 1

1-2

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

USA U18 - Slovakia U18

Penalties

5:4

PPG

0:0

SHG

0:0

Shots on goal

25:19

Goals and assists

4. DiBenedetto (Impagliazzo, Biagetti) – 20. Novajovský (Božoň), 39. Zajac

Referees

Petr Rybon, Michael Vitello

Official game sheet

USA U18

Scanlon Johnson, Heenan, Morin (C), Regalski, Manning-Almeida, O'Meila, Bigenho (A), Warner-Senee – Tosh, Thomas, Alter – O’Connor, Battista, Cadwallader – DiBenedetto, Biagetti (A), Impagliazzo – Nackrelli, Meek

Slovakia U18

Mališ – Semančík, Polák, Novajovský, Sisík, Zámborský, Zajac, Matušinský, Derlich – Feranec (A), Božoň, Vaverčák (C) – Botka (A), Čech, Šatka – Čenčarík, Brejčák, Knapík – Tisovčík, Rokos, Franek – Jankovič, Demčák

COACHES´ REACTIONS

Edward Costa (USA): „It was a tough game, I think my team was looking ahead to the play-offs and that is my fault. I have to focus my team in and we have to get ready for this afternoon against whoever we may play. We have to put in a much better effort and be a little bit better."

Ľubomír Líška (SVK): „It was a bit challenging to get into the game since it was mainly about deciding which opponent we would face in the semifinals. It's difficult to choose, but we entered the game with the intention to win, to build up our self-confidence, to prove that we won the group, and that we have what it takes to reach the final. Now, of course, we need to focus on preparing for the semifinal match as quickly as possible. We'll take a breather, and I believe we will win again."