Canadian Men’s Indoor Team Defeated By Poland In Second Match

February 9, 2011

Poland v. Canada: 7-1 (5-0)

It took only eight seconds for home team Poland to grab the lead, Artur MIKULA receiving the ball in the circle and leaving no chance to Shankar PREMAKANTHAN in the Canadian goal. They doubled their tally shortly after on a penalty-corner that stunned the Canadian defence. The young Canadians tried to react but were no match for the experienced Polish squad and the score was promptly up to 4-0. Canada settled down and fared better in the second part of the period. They mounted a few dangerous incursions in the Polish camps and were unlucky to see a golden chance hit the post.

Poland dominated the second period, but Canada held tight in defence and even forced Arkadiusz MATUSZAK to make some spectacular saves in the Polish goal. They managed to force a stroke, cleanly slotted by Jonathan ROBERTS. Poland had nevertheless the situation well in hand and cruised to a comfortable 7-1 victory.

Apart for the first 5 minutes, when they were obviously impressed by the atmosphere and the opposition (Poland were silver medalists at the last two World Cups), Canada played a strong game today, displaying excellent individual and collective indoor hockey skills. They were unlucky on a number of occasions but never slowed down. They currently stand in 4th place in the group and could stay there if they win tomorrow against Namibia then Australia.

By:FIH/Yan Huckendubler

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