The Czechs were not favoured to win this game, but very early on it was evident that they intended to win. Lucie Kubínová scored in the very first minute, and although the Americans tried the rest of the first period to tie it they were unsuccessful.
At the start of the second period came another cold shower for the American team when Kristýna Kaltounková scored. The Americans continued to try to threaten the Czech defence, but unsuccessfully. On the contrary, the Czechs managed to strike twice more in less than three minutes. First, Vanessa Halbrstatová and then Patrície Škorpíková to make it 4-0.
In the third period, the scenario from the previous periods was repeated, with the Czechs striking quickly, and it was Kaltounková, the US collegiate ice hockey star, with her second of the game. The Americans were able to get one back thanks to Jennifer Fisher, but that was as close as they would come.
Reactions
Czech Republic Coach: We played our style of ball hockey, so I´m absolutely satisfied with our performance. We roughly knew their tactics, because we saw their afternoon game with Great Britain. Nevertheless, it was a little surprising for us that it was not such a tough or even game. Six points was our aim, so of course I´m totally happy after the first day.
USA Coach: We´re a really inexperienced team and we played against a very experienced team with really skilled players. They beat us because the Czechs did a great job. Our defence and generally all our players were a little bit tired - it was the last game of the day and we didn´t enough time to recuperate. Our break between the first and second games was only about five hours, so this was maybe one of the factors why we lost the game, but not the only one. Basically, the better team won.