In a stunning opening match at the Olympic Games in Milan, Slovakia secured a remarkable 4:1 victory over Finland, a team that came in as the favorite having won the Olympic gold previously. Juraj Slafkovský led the charge for Slovakia, scoring two of the four goals and showcasing his impressive skill in a match that marked Slovakia's first-ever win against Finland at the Olympics and their first victory over them in a major event in 22 years. Adam Ružička added a late goal into an empty net, while Dalibor Dvorský also found the back of the net, underscoring the effectiveness of the Slovak offense.

The match started with high intensity, as Slovakia made a bold attempt to take the lead early on. The Slovak team had several scoring opportunities in the initial minutes, demonstrating their aggressive approach to the game. Finland responded with opportunities of their own, including a promising chance from Kakka, which was expertly handled by Slovak goalie Samuel Hlavaj, who managed an impressive 39 saves throughout the game. The combination of Slafkovský's offensive prowess and Hlavaj's outstanding goalkeeping was crucial in establishing Slovakia's lead.

As the match progressed, Slovakia took the advantage in the 8th minute. A defensive error by Finnish player Lehtonen, pressured by Slovak forward Tatar, allowed Slafkovský to break free and score the first goal, resulting in a 1:0 lead. The Slovak defense held strong against Finland's offensive efforts, successfully managing a penalty kill after Tatar's minor penalty. This victory not only enhances Slovakia's Olympic history but also sets a positive tone for their campaign in the tournament, proving that they can compete effectively on the world stage against top teams like Finland.