Feb 18 • 20:48 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

The Lions' Terrible Streak is Over - Antti Pennanen Completely Unaware

Finland's hockey team overcame a 2-0 deficit against Switzerland to win the quarterfinal and secure a spot in the semifinals alongside Slovakia and Canada.

In a dramatic quarterfinal match, Finland's national hockey team, the Lions, triumphed over Switzerland, breaking a challenging streak by securing a place in the semifinals of the tournament. The game took a tense turn as Switzerland took a 2-0 lead with less than ten minutes left in regulation. During a pivotal intermission, head coach Antti Pennanen emphasized the importance of sticking to the basics in their strategy, with an emphasis on playing tightly yet effectively while preparing for a potential five-on-five situation.

Antti Pennanen praised his players for their resilience and tenacity during the game, particularly highlighting the role of their leadership in maintaining team morale despite the challenging circumstances. Although he was not privy to the discussions among players during the break, Pennanen expressed confidence in their ability to uphold belief and determination. With this victory, Finland conjoined with other top teams, Slovakia and Canada, in the next stage of the competition, showcasing a strong recovery from a precarious position.

This successful comeback flies in the face of earlier difficulties the Lions faced, and it demonstrates the team's capability under pressure. Pennanen's approach, focused on fundamental teamwork and resilience, seems to have resonated with the players, forming a crucial element in their newfound success. As they advance towards the semifinals, the expectations and scrutiny will only heighten for the Finnish team as they aim for glory in the tournament ahead.

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