The Czech Republic controlled the Quarterfinal game against Denmark. We can reflect on the game through data tracked.
Danish team had solid first period but was scored twice early and this gap was too much against strong opponent.
As showed in following graph the Czech Republic yielded 6 clear path opportunities in the first period and scored one goal from them. Denmark countered with two odd man rushes and also one goal from them. Czech team possessing much more in the game find some holes in Danish defence and surprised them with two more distant shots that found a way to the net.
From the second period Czech team took over the game and was happy to attack into deeper defence looking for openings. Czechs created another 6 clear paths and even otherwise were dangerously efficient yielding different kind of offensive plays. On of them is visualized in the next gif.
Notice work from Sebek (no. 3) here as he attracts defending players with his quick move to the middle, passes the ball to Curney (no. 40) and collapsing defence including goalkeeper can not defend in time supporting defender Kisugite (no. 5).
Overall Czech team had 21-10 advantage in dangerous possessions (clear path opportunities and odd man rushes) and was also dangerous on power-play while creating another 7 clear paths there.
On top of this also execution of Czechs was much better than for their opponent. Next graph shows execution of clear path opportunities (share of clear paths finished with shot attempts) and also execution of cross field passes (share of successful moments of passing and receiving).
Cross field passes were something that Czech team was searching for in the game as well and at the end they executed 13 of them while Denmark only 2.
Player evaluation from the game is done via next graph.
Clear path opportunity differential is on vertical axis and odd man rush differential is on horizontal one. Czech forward Rypar who rotated during the game in two lines ended up with the best results having 5 more clear paths than opponent and 2 more odd man rushes when on the field. Other Czech players follow and somebody like Dalkvist can sleep nicely knowing he fared well against strong opponent in the sense of dangerous possession score.
Last graph reveals frequent shooters and passers of the game.
Prazan and Doza recorded the most attempts and both were likely assisting. Rypar, Bauer or Danish Schmidt, Skov Nielsen were those who attempted to shoot in the game a lot. The most Danish finishes is assigned to Eldholm who is doing well at the tournament.
While concluding the article we enjoy his individual effort in this game as he went with confidence passing four Czech players and rushing the ball forward.
Semifinal matches are set. Czech team will meet Finland who will be a big obstacle on the way to this years finals. Should we expect rather tactical battle about controlling the game mostly with slow attacks as data suggests. Or will any team surprise us with more quick plays or even odd man rush situations? We will see very soon.
By Petr Malina
DAY 4: Group Stage Culminating, Czech Republic to Face Switzerland – 4.12.2018
Germany Saves Czechs by Beating Latvia, Nordic Powers Post Convincing Wins – 4.12.2018
Sweden Dominates Norway to Get Easy 9-1 Win – 3.12.2018
Estonia Beats Thailand 11-4 to End Group Stage Unbeaten – 3.12.2018
Great First Period Secures First Victory for Finland – 3.12.2018
Great Defense Gives Australia First Tournament Win over Poland – 3.12.2018
Data Analysis: Latvia vs Czech Republic 4:3 – 3.12.2018
Impressive Third Period Pushes Germany to First Win in Prague – 3.12.2018
Zubir‘s Two Goals Help Singapore Beat Japan in Front of 6,341 Spectators – 3.12.2018
Data Analysis: Finland vs Sweden 4:5 – 3.12.2018
DAY 3: Program Starts with Asian Battle, Fans to See Two Nordic Derbies – 3.12.2018
Latvia Stuns the Hosts, Slovakia and Switzerland on Scoring Surge – 3.12.2018
Estonia Wins Evening Thriller in Arena Sparta – 2.12.2018
First Tournament Surprise as Latvia Beats Czech Republic 4-3 – 2.12.2018
Battle between Canada and Singapore Ends in First Tournament Draw – 2.12.2018
Switzerland Outclasses Germany 13-1, Känzig Scores Four Goals – 2.12.2018
Japan Enters Tournament with 1-15 Loss against Slovakia – 2.12.2018
Norway Turns Score to Get First Tournament Win – 2.12.2018
Data Analysis: Germany vs Czech Republic 5:10 – 2.12.2018
DAY 2: Twelve Teams in Action, Czechs to Face Latvia – 2.12.2018