Czechia Beats GB to Reach Semifinals

Goals and assists

3. Kubíček (Langr, Hudec), 4. Jágr (Čejka, Zvonek), 18. Bláha (Hrabár, Kohout), 19. Jágr (Laurinc), 22. Čejka (Jágr, Školoudík), 24. Kohout (Bláha, Laurinc), 25. Rozlílek (Kucharčík, Kubíček), 26. Rozlílek (Langr, Kucharčík), 26. Vaněk (Bílý, Lhota), 26. Kohout (Pavlíček, Kubíček), 27. Zvonek (Čejka, Jágr), 30. Bláha (Zvonek, Kubíček), 38. Bláha (Pavlíček), 39. Jágr (Hrabár), 40. Rozlílek (Kucharčík) – 11. Kamm

Referees

Adam Filip, Joel Krähenbühl

Spectators

3843

Czechia

Mokry (24. Foršt) - Fanderlik, Hrabár, Hudec, Kastner, Kubíček, Laurinc, Vaniš, Školoudík, Šlehofer - Bláha, Bílý, Jágr, Kohout, Kucharčík, Langr, Lhota, Pavlíček, Rozlílek, Vaněk, Wrobel, Zvonek, Čejka

Great Britain

Laing (25. Holloway) - Alfoldi, Beasley, Dearing, Ferrington, Graham, Howie, B. Novotný, Oughton-Shaw - Bolstridge, Cheetham, Cole, Cox, Daintith, Goodchild, Hemmings-Maher, Holicka, Kamm, Krempasky, Kristof, C. Mohr, S. Mohr, Paget

COACHES´ REACTIONS

Petr Kopečný (CZE): “Although the final score looks convincing, the game didn’t start the way we wanted. After scoring two quick goals, we became a little too comfortable and our first period wasn’t good enough. The players talked things through among themselves during the break, and in the second period we increased our intensity, moved the ball quicker, improved our off-ball movement, and were more effective around the net. From that point on, we took control of the game and the score kept growing. The key moment was the team’s response after the first intermission. Changing goaltenders was planned in advance, as we wanted to manage the workload and give Vojta some rest ahead of the next game. Our focus now turns to Finland. They surprised us with their efficiency earlier in the tournament, so we’ll prepare thoroughly and do everything we can to earn a place in the final.”

Luke Browne (GBR): “It was a difficult game. I thought we started really well, applying good pressure, defending aggressively, and creating some chances of our own. In the second period we took a step back, and our own mistakes allowed the Czechs to take control. We responded in the third, but once again individual errors proved costly. Credit to the Czech team—they’re an excellent organization with a very strong ball hockey team, and I wish them the best for the rest of the tournament. The highlight for me was Ryan Camp’s penalty shot. He’s a special talent and I truly believe he has a bright future ahead of him. Finally, I’d like to thank all of our fans, whether they were here in the arena or supporting us from home. We really appreciate every bit of support."