Interviews after beating Finland at the 2020 World W18 Championship

Alexander Syrtsov, Kristi Shashkina and Polina Luchnikova shared their feelings after beating Finland 4:2 in the concluding group game of the 2020 World W18 Championshp in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Head coach Alexander Syrtsov:

- We did start well, but then we took too many penalties. The girls did try their best, it was an interesting match, but we made a lot of mistakes. Nevertheless, I am happy that we managed to score four goals. When Finland pulled their goaltender, I said to the players for them not to shoot as to not ice the puck, but not all of them listened. We now have to rest and prepare for the quarter-final.

Forward Kristi Shashkina:

- We took far too many penalties during the first period, this is something which we have to improve. However, in the second stanza, we did start to control the game better and play with the initiative. Last year, we lost to the Finns in the bronze medal game, something which served as a great source of motivation. I think that everything will be fine in the quarter-final on Monday.

Forward Polina Luchnikova:

- At times, we did play well, but our discipline problems were there for all to see. We managed to score our goals at the right time and win the match. Of course, none of us had forgotten the match against Finland last year, that was a painful defeat to lose the bronze medal game. We have to focus on the knockout stage now.