Prague Day 4
The European Champions Trophy end disappointingly for Cardiff, with a 5-1 defeat to Dinamo Kazan in the play-offs. However, Cardiff still finished joint third in the tournament, the best performance in Europe by a Welsh team in recent years. Their performances also ensured that Wales moved up to 16th in the European rankings, thus ensuring Champions Trophy hockey for Cardiff next season and putting the European Champions league (for the top twelve countries) firmly in their sights.
In terms of possession and territory, the game itself was fairly even, but it was at the sharp ends of the pitch that the Russians excelled. Their short sharp passes in the boxes proved Cardiff's undoing, while they kept a tight line of defence, minimizing Cardiff's chances.
Cardiff had a pre-match set-back when Mark Ramage fell foul of food poisoning. Although he struggled on to the pitch his performance was clearly stifled and Dinamo went into half-time with a 2-0 advantage and some excellent goalkeeping by Steven Gardiner kept Cardiff in the game early in the second half, although he had little chance with penalty flick to make it 3-0. James Campbell pulled a goal back and Cardiff's best period followed as they genuinely looked capable of pulling back the deficit. However, it was Kazan who scored again, two late goals completing a deserved victory.
Video of the goals (plus Stick's best save)
Monday, 4 June 2007