GB Beat Brazil to Make Final
27th June 2008Great Britain qualified for the final of Division One of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Inline World Championships after a come from behind victory against last year’s gold medallists Brazil. Goals from Joe Wightman, Tim McKay (his first for GB), a John Dolan penalty shot and a game winner from Simon Hehir won it for GB after the British fell two behind in the first period.
GB controlled the early phases of the game but could not generate many solid scoring chances and the Brazilians capitalised. Trailing 2-0 after the first period it Joe Wightman received a fee from Remi Moses to bring GB back into the game before McKay at the back post scored his first international goal to make it 2-2 at the end of the third.
In the fourth period controversy took over with Remi Moses hooked back on a breakaway, a penalty shot was awarded which John Dolan stepped up to score. The Brazilians questioned Dolan’s right to be the shooter however the goal stood. The lead was however short-lived as Brazil tied the game seconds later. However GB fought back and a Simon Hehir tip in on a powerplay gave the British back the lead. A frantic final five minutes followed as Brazil rained pucks on the excellent James Tanner in the British net (32 shots, 29 saves) but to no avail. GB progressed to their second Division One final in three years.
“I’m delighted today,” said Head Coach Nick Crawley, “We faced some adversity out there and showed our character. A lot of guys stepped up at the right time and we deserved to win. We’ll now focus on tomorrow’s final which we know will be a very tough game.
GB’s performance was typified by gritty individual showings from Stuart Brian, Moses, and Karl Niamatali. GB will now face either Canada or Australia in tomorrow’s final (13:00 GMT).
"We'll give a good account of ourselves whoever we play," said Crawley "and we'll see what happens. We have a lot of belief in this team and we have an opportunity to do something very special. You can be sure we will be giving it our all.”
In the A Pool, this year littered with NHL players, USA play Sweden tonight where the winners will face the winners of Slovakia versus Germany in tomorrow evening’s final. The Czech Republic, featuring Edmonton Oilers Ales Hemsky and other NHLers Karol Radchunik and Petr Tenkrat were eliminated in yesterday’s quarterfinals.
Final Score (Period Scores)
GB 4-3 Brazil (0-2, 1-0, 1-0, 2-1)