Reaction after losing to the USA at the 2019 World Junior Championship

After losing to the USA in the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship semi-final, under 20 Russian national team head coach Valery Bragin and forwards Vitaly Kravtsov, Klim Kostin and Vasily Podkolzin shared their thoughts.

Russia U20 head coach Valery Bragin:

- We had twice as many opportunities as the opponents, but they scored more goals. These things happen in ice hockey. The Americans started better, but after improving, we were the stronger team and they protected the score in the third period. The disallowed goal? I don't want to talk about that. In these matches, the first goal is always crucial. We were so close to the final, but tomorrow, we have another important game. What did I say to Klim Kostin on the bench? That will stay between us.

Russia U20 forward Vitaly Kravtsov:

- I feel devastated. However, tomorrow we will play to win the bronze medal. We'll give everything. Today, we couldn't achieve our dream, I had chances to equalise. We played well and were lacking a lucky break.

Russia U20 forward Klim Kostin:

- What do I feel inside? Emptiness. I think that the disallowed goal broke us. We pressured throughout the entire game and now we have to prepare for tomorrow's match.

Russia U20 forward Vasily Podkolzin:

- We were better than the opponents, but we lost. It will be tough to recover emotionally, but we don't have any other option. We conceded goals because of our own mistakes, and when we had chances, we were lacking quality and luck. What did the coaches say? To prepare for the bronze medal match. It's hard to say anything right now.