It has already been reported that Latvia, preparing for the start of the qualifying tournament for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, beat Denmark 5:3 in the final test match on Monday.
“The final phase of the game was already usual and pleasant, when the audience sang along and supported. We clearly showed a better performance. Mistakes are always there, but the quality and aggressive play was visible today. The opponents also started to get nervous and the guys tried to keep the puck, beautiful goals were also scored goal,” said Vītoliņš.
“There is something to work on. The defensive zone is still the most important thing for us, because I always say that everything starts from the defense. If the defense is good and compact, selfless, then the attack will always be formed. There are still a couple of days,” the coach continued.
He highlighted that he would like to improve in the couple of days left until the start of the qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games.
“Defence is still the first issue, which you always want to see perfect, but there are still holes that the opponents can use. If there is a good defense, then the attack will also develop. Today, the counterattack also came together. We finally started to throw something in the attack, we could have shoot more at the goal,” explained the coach.
Also, Vītoliņš stated that after the test matches, he is more confident about which hockey players will be included in the squad for the qualification tournament.
“You have to understand that one is the World Cup with a minimum of seven games, but here there are three games in four days. Here I expect a result from every shift and experience is a little more important than youth and activity. It is important for me that experience also plays actively .”
Although Latvian goalkeeper Artūrs Šilovs was left out of the application for both test matches, Vītoliņš stated that Šilovs, who is in good physical shape, is ready to start the qualification tournament for the Olympic Games.
Also, in the second test match, Rodrigo Ābols left the field in the second period after being hit on the chin by an opponent with a puck. Vītoliņš revealed that Abols broke his chin and will need stitches, but this will not prevent him from helping the Latvian national team.
The Latvian national team in Riga will fight for a ticket to the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo on August 29 against Slovenia, a day later – against Ukraine and on September 1 – against France.
Only the winner of the qualification will win the ticket to the 2026 Olympic Games.
2024-08-27 00:39:34