France defeats Canada – 3:2 (Photo, video)
The match has been played in Chyzhouka Arena today.
Canada national team faced France’s unexpected resistance. Stefan da Costa scored a goal for France during the 18th and Brayden Schenn equalized during the 20th minute. Erik Gudbranson scored a goal for Canada during the 15th minute but the French equalized two minutes later – Stefan da Costa scored another goal.
No goals were scored in the overtime and France won after penalty shots. The decisive goal was scored by Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.
Russia defeated Switzerland – 5:0. Belarus and the USA will play in Minsk Arena in the evening (at 9.45 p.m.) and Slovakia will play with the Czech Republic in Chyzhouka Arena at 9.45 p.m. The festive opening of the championship will be held before Belarus-USA match.
The participants of the championship are divided into two groups: A (Sweden, the Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, France and Italy – they will play in Chyzhouka Arena) and B (Finland, Russia, the USA, Switzerland, Germany, Latvia, Belarus and Kazakhstan – they will play in Minsk Arena). The best 4 teams from each group will make it to the final. The final and the third place playoff will be played in Minsk Arena on May 25.
