WINTER OLYMPICS

Finland to meet Russia in Olympic ice hockey final

Harri Pesonen of Finland scores an empty-net goal in the third period during the semifinal match against Slovakia. Photo: Peter Kneffel/dpa.

The Nomad Today/dpa

18 de February de 2022 (19:13 h.)

Anton Slepyshev opened the scoring for Russia 15 seconds into the second period with a brilliant solo goal but Swedish captain Anton Lander scrambled a third-period equalizer

Finland's men beat Slovakia 2-0 in the semi-finals and now hope for third time lucky in the Olympic gold medal game on Sunday.

They will take on the Russian Olympic Committee in Sunday's showpiece in Beijing after the 2018 winners survived a nerve-racking shoot-out 3-2 over Sweden after a 1-1 draw.

Sakari Manninen gave Finland a first-period lead on the counter and although Slovakia pressed they found no way to beat goalkeeper Harri Sateri. Harri Pesonen then wrapped up matters with an empty-net goal 38.6 seconds before the end on Friday.

Finland, rated a top contender in the absence of NHL stars at the Olympic tournament, had also beaten Slovakia 6-2 in the group stage.

"What a great opportunity for us to play for the brightest medal. It's pretty cool," Pesonen said.

"Every tournament teams could look good on paper but we know that you still need to deliver on the ice and take the win. We've managed to control the situation where we are not the underdogs. That shows that we are mentally strong, which is a good thing."

Coach Jukka Jalonen praised the defensive effort, saying: "If you want to win, you have to defend well and that is what I think we did really well. There was not much room for the Slovakian forwards. It is one of our strengths."

Sakari Manninen (C) of Finland celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. Photo: Peter Kneffel/dpa.

Third Olympic final

Finland reached the Olympic final twice before, losing in 1988 to the Soviet Union and in 2006 to Sweden.

The three-time world champions will face Russia again after youngster Arseni Gritsyuk netted the decisive shot in the shoot-out after Sweden missed two chances of their own to win.

Anton Slepyshev opened the scoring for Russia 15 seconds into the second period with a brilliant solo goal but Swedish captain Anton Lander scrambled a third-period equalizer.

The Soviet Union dominated post-war Olympic ice hockey with seven titles to 1992 but faltered when Canada and America could use their NHL pros until 2018. The Unified Team won in Albertville following the break-up of the Soviet Union and the Russian Olympic Committee is credited with the triumph in Pyeongchang.

Slovakia will be playing for their first Olympic medal in the sport in the bronze medal match against Sweden on Saturday.