Ice HockeyParalympics 2014
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Mission accomplished-winning revival and completed with a success thanks really liberating. The Italian national sledge hockey I really needed to regain confidence severely shaken after two heavy defeats debut at the 2014 Winter Paralympics. This goal was attained against South Korea in the race that was potentially within the reach of the blue. The men's coach Da Rin responded well, beating the Asians 2-1 in what was the third and final Group B match valid for the Paralympics. The three points gained Shayba Arena apply to overtake Italy in the standings, just against the Koreans. The blue team won third place in the group as well (the U.S. and Russia have already qualified for the semifinals). And now you can start the run-up to the maximum possible placement for the placings in races from the fifth to eighth place.
Tuesday 11 March 2014 7 minutes reading time
Fresh from a recent precedent in time, Korea-Italy was considered to be a rematch of the Paralympic qualifying tournament'' s last October in Turin. On that occasion, the Blues came out defeated the shootout, losing first place in the event (but not the pass for the 2014 Sochi). Disappointment, however, avenged this morning, thanks to goals from Macri and Planker who have broken any dreams of glory for Korea, theoretically still in the running for a medal, unlike Italy already eliminated from the race for metals.
But the desire for redemption after two consecutive knockouts (and 12 goals conceded against one made), it was evident in the blues. As well as tension dictated by not making a mistake in Korean. Italy begins with an important novelty compared to the first two races in Sochi. The goalie holder is Gabriele Araudo instead of Stillitano. Rilevatasi happy choice, supplemented by a careful game of his comrades in defense and its four saves in the first 15 '. There is only positive note finally a good defense that controls the dangerous and phenomenal Korean Seung-Hwan Jung. Here comes the coveted precision in attack. About the 22-year old Andrea Macri, who broke the deadlock at 9'50'' of the first period. Great credit also all'assistman Gregory Leperdi. The attacker is stubborn and skillful to win a conflict with a defender and polished to see the inclusion of the young striker Turin. The suggestion is perfect and Andrea can do no wrong. Macri, the hero of the two Paralympic Games (the Games London 2012 Summer has missed the podium in fencing) is the protagonist of the first phase of the race. Also because of two penalties remedied in just 7 minutes (the first almost at the end of the first half, the other at the beginning of the second period). The blues resist the onslaught Korean penalty killing and controlling the game.
In the third period, as expected, Korea gives everything to be able to get at least the same and the shootout. But there are also several chances to make it 2-0 from a distance with all Rose, Balossetti and Condello. The blues is not biting the opponent and comes from the term -9:54 1-1. Seung-Jung Hwang inevitably affects the 1-1. Marking "facilitated" by a wrong move in the Korean defense that allows to achieve a goal by the success rate of shooting difficult. Araudo can not resist.
The risk of kickback psychological Korea threatens to launch the assault. But concerns last less than a minute. Specifically, it takes 47'' to put the Blues ahead and freeze the match. Intuition about Andrea Chiarotti and class finalizer Florian Planker. The captain made a dash and see the advanced motion of the attacker. The South Tyrolean finds himself face to face with the goalkeeper Yu Man-Gyun and does not miss the shot of 2-1. There is still time for a power play blue untapped well (expelled Young-Sung Kim) and for forcing desperate Asia: Cho shot out while Kim slams against the parade of a great Araudo. The Korean effort to score the equalizer, opens spaces to Italy. Planker has the opportunity of 3-1, but was stopped by the keeper.
The last time out called from Korea, leading to the choice of opting for the sixth outfield player in the final minute and a half. Risk frustrated because Koreans do not affect, in fact, they are forced to retract the extreme Yu. It will end 2-1 to Italy. But there is time for the nervousness of the Koreans. Jung trim a nudge to access and violent Gianluigi Rosa, when the race was over. An ugly incident on the ice at the end of a beautiful and balanced game. This is the only downsides.
Feast for Italy, which ends up third in the standings of Group B, the 8 thousand spectators to cheer ago Shayba Arena (many of them Russian and then waiting the match against the United States) and you gain a favorable position in the grid for the playoffs fifth place. The objective of improving the seventh position of the Vancouver 2010 is still intact. And the path of the blue crosses that of the fourth-placed in Group A, Sweden, today's 2-0 defeat by Norway.
The next challenge on the ice is scheduled for tomorrow. In the semi-final to the final for fifth place. The men of Massimo Da Rin will be opposed again the Scandinavians, beaten 2-1 a few days ago in the last friendly'' pre-Paralympic.
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