The Ukrainian national hockey team opened the Olympic qualifying tournament. The first opponent was South Korea, and we remember that the Ukrainians have been playing unsuccessfully at all levels lately (especially against Japan) against fast and persistent Asian teams.
In the opening period, with an even game, Ukraine scored the only goal through Mazur, who beautifully beat the goalkeeper after Lyalka’s pass. Korea had its moments, but Zakharchenko acted confidently.
In the second 20 minutes, Zakharchenko played confidently again, and Ukraine scored the second goal, Vorona scored. Everything became clear in the middle of the third period, when Deniskin and Trakht scored – 4:0.
On February 9, Ukraine will play against Poland, the group favorite. The Poles will hold the 2024 World Cup in the elite division and are generally on the rise, so this is a decisive match for the Ukrainians. The third opponent will be Estonia. Only the winner of the group will advance to the next stage of selection for the 2026 Olympics.
Olympic selection. Group stage
South Korea – Ukraine 0:4 (0:1, 0:1, 0:2)
Pucks: 14:10 Mazur (Lyalka, Morozov) – 0:1, 22:10 Vorona (Boroday, Kutsevich) – 0:2, 49:31 Deniskin (Pangelov-Yuldashev) – 0:3, 50:03 Trakht (Peresunko , Merezhko) – 0:4
Goalkeepers: Li – Zakharchenko
2024-02-08 21:02:00
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