WC U20, Division I, Group B

Last round in Group B, standings look like this:

1. Belarus W4-w0-l0-L0 20:5 12 pts

2. Latvia W3-w0-l0-L1 25:8 9 pts

...

Latvians are hosts, but as it is obvious from the table, Belarus played better so far, have been without oscilations and surprises. "The worst" match for them was opening one against outsider Hungary, they had 2:0 lead after 5 mins, but at the end they won with great effort and big problems, 3:2 was final result. Since then they've won all their games more easier, France (6:1), Slovenia (2:1) and G. Britain (9:1) all lost against them. In all games Belarus showed that they have good defense and goaltending, while they are very efficient on the other side.

Latvians are still most efficient team, but when it was most needed they've failed. In opening match they've won over French colleges 9:3. In very next game they've lost to Slovenia 2:3, great shock for fans and team, since then they've won both games, against G. Britain (6:0) and Hungary (8:2) and still they couldn't fix anything as the damage was already done. Today they need clear win, in regular time, and when we remember troubles that they had against Slovenia, how big will be that troubles against much stronger Belarus? Especially as any kind of draw (no matter what happens in OT/SO) fits Belarus team.

So, we have two more or less equal teams, Latvians are host and most efficient team in this group, while Belarus are better in defensive segment, in penalty killing and they have better goalies (Malyutin and Pronin have been great so far). Final impression is that game will be equal, intense, i rate Belarus a bit better. Especially if there will be equal result few mins before an end, then Latvians will have to open more (pull out goalie probably) and Belarus should be able to capitalise that. Odds of 2.50 are way too high, my odds estimation is 2.10.

Expected result: 3:2

Pick : Belarus
Odds : 2.50
Stake : 4 / 10
Bookmaker : Betway
Date : 2007-12-18
Match Result :
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor:

Viewed 739 times.