Latvia ties Norway in impressive showdown – 06.12.2016

Group stage at World Championships came to an end with the game between Latvia and Norway. In principle rivalry, Norway came back in the last minute and the match finished 5-5 (3-1, 1-2, 1-2).

Latvia opened the tournament with 2-7 loss against defending champions Sweden. Latvians lost their second game with Czech Republic as well. The same story happened with Team Norway. Team Latvia were able to win this match to keep 3rd place in Group B. There was only 01:44 played when Ole Jansson opened it for Norway. The Latvians found their game later in the period and after some good attacks Arturs Jursevskis made it 1-1. The host nation continued strong and the crowd went wild after Toms Akmenlauks´s excellent strike. Just five minutes later, the Latvian team transformed their 6-on-5 advantage to their third goal. This was obviously the best period for Team Latvia.

Latvia started the second period with a two goal lead. 4:38 left in the period and the Norwegians found a weak point in the Latvian defense and made in 2-3. Latvia answered immediately with an excellent touch from Mikus Valpeters. Both teams were showing well-organized defensive play. Another present from the hosts came in the end of the second period when Fredrik Eriksen put the ball in half-empty net. 4-3 result after 40 minutes promised a nervous continual in the third period.

The home side showed full concentration in defense and so their opponents did not get many scoring chances. Latvia restored their two goal advantage after a fast break-away early in the third period. Unfortunately for Latvia, the Norwegians managed to score the fourth goal when there was about 8 minutes left. Following action consisted of Team Norway attempts to come back, which succeeded only 53 second left in this match. Match ended with a draw that helped Norway to finish third in Group B.