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The Slovak national hockey team last advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Championships in 2013. At that time, the Czech coach Vladimír Vůjtek was standing on the bench of our team. How does the former successful coach view the Slovaks’ progress after eight years and what does he say about the duel against the Czech Republic?
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A federal derby that was expected to have huge emotions. For a while, there was also a script in the game that it would be a match for everything. In the end, however, the situation developed in such a way that Slovakia and the Czech Republic had secured progress before the match. Both coaches decided to let several key players rest.
“It was obvious that it was a friendly match in which it was nothing. Only whether America or Finland will be the opponent in the quarterfinals. And that’s not a big difference. Both teams took it in preparation for the quarterfinals, “ briefly reviewed the meeting for ŠPORT.sk Vladimír Vůjtek.
The Czechs won the match high 7: 3. What can such a loss do to the psyche of Slovaks? “I don’t think so. They and the Czechs knew that it was a struggle that was not about anything. Of course, for a higher loss, it will be a bit anticipated for them.
But Slovakia has to play for one hundred and twenty percent every match and the players have saved a bit against the Czech Republic. I wouldn’t rate it as leaving traces on them. In my opinion, they don’t know about the match now and are preparing for Thursday. “
Vladimír Vůjtek celebrates winning silver at the 2012 World Championships.
Source: TASR
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He led Slovakia to silver medals at the championship in 2012. This time, players from below the Tatras will face the winner of the B-group of the USA and the Czech Republic against Finland in the way for medals in the quarterfinals. Which opponent would be more acceptable for Vůjtek?
“Both teams are on the same level. Their match was also close (Finland won 2: 1 – editor’s note). In any case, we Czechs know the Finns better than America, so we know what to expect from them. America is a bit unknown, although during the championship everyone will study the opponent. “
So how does he see the chances of progress? “It’s 50 to 50 for both of them. Slovaks have to play like matches before. Not a hundred, but one hundred and twenty percent. And they know it. They have shown this in previous duels. The Czechs have a better chance because they know Finland. But if the Slovaks will play for one hundred and twenty percent like most matches in the group, then they have a chance as well. “
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In the match with the Czech Republic, two of only 17-year-old hockey players were among the best players in Slovakia. Juraj Slafkovský played in the first attack and Šimon Nemec became the best player of the match from his team.
“I adore Simon the German. He’s a player to my liking. He has an overview, he is not afraid to play. Because he is still young, he misses a bit of a shot. Physically, it lags behind a bit. When it’s over, he’ll be a great player, ” the former 74-year-old coach did not spare praise.
He also spoke no less positively to the address of Juraj Slafkovsky. “He’s a great skater. The player of the future. But so far he lacks an overview and an emphasis in the end. But it’s because he’s still young. He gets a chance to prepare her, but he lacks the emphasis on the puck ending up in the goal. However, this is understandable, he is only 17 years old. Just participating in the tournament will give him a lot, “ concluded Vůjtek, who, after leaving the Czech national team bench in 2016, worked until December 2019 as a consultant in Vítkovice. He has been enjoying a well-deserved pension ever since.
