World Championship - Czech v Russland

Czech Republic Vs Russia

2008 World Cup in Canada.

Both teams come into this game defeating their first game opponents Denmark and Italy respectively. Although it's worth mentioning that Czech's made hard work of beating Denmark in the first period. Danish managed to score first only then for Czech's to equalise and lead 2-1 within 6 minutes (Vrbata & Kotalik scored), Danes managed to get back and draw first period 2-2, which I thought was a shocker, no disrespect to Danes of course! The rest proved to be a history as Czech's scored 2 (Vrbata & Irgl scored) in the second and 1 (Hejda scored) in the third resulting in a 5-2 score.

Russia on the other hand where 1-0 up against Italy after first period goal from Semin just inside 4 minutes. They too needed second period burst when they have scored 5, Ovechkin and Co. destroyed Italy 7-1 in the end with only one goal being scored in the third.

According to new tournament rules there is possibility that these teams will meet again at a later stage in play offs. Russian coach Bykov said: 'it's vital we win this first game, firstly cause we play against Czech's and secondly because of the above mentioned rule, this win would give us psycological advantage'. Last meeting between these two teams ended with 3-2 win to Russia, that was european hockey tour that Russians ended up winning too with Czech's coming third in the tournament.

IMO Russians have the better team in this world cup, names speak for themselves I think: AFINOGENOV, FEDOROV, KOVALCHUK, OVECHKIN, RADULOV (should feature in this game), SEMIN etc. and goalkeeper EREMENKO, I think he's the backbone of the team, he's been brilliant for UFA in goal this season and no wonder they won the Russian league! Having said above I expect a close game as it would be silly to write Czech's off, they have a decent squad themselves,sporting a number of NHL talents, although they are very inconsistent and that's what I think is gonna let then down tonight.

It's a big tournament for Russian coach Bykov, who wants to win this more than anyone else, once having turned down move to NHL in favour of Swiss hockey league, this is emotional return to Quebec for him.

Bottom line, most teams play defence and counter attack Russians, I'm not saying Czech's will just defend, but I think if Russians get way too many power play chances and manage to have more shots on goal as is usually the case they should win this one. Good Luck!



Pick : Russia
Odds : 1.70
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Ladbrokes
Match Result : 4-4
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