BELGRADO - The men's U20 national team played the third match of its World Championship campaign in Division 2 Group B in the Serbian capital Belgrade today, January 17th. After winning against Chinese Taipei and losing against host Serbia, the Belgians are defeated again, this time against Australia.
Although both teams were evenly matched, 27 shots on goal for the Belgians and 29 for the Australians, team 'Down Under' managed better to finish their attacks on the Belgian goal. Two goals were scored via the power play notwithstanding the almost proportional number of penalty minutes for both teams (16 for BEL vs. 14 for AUS). Efficiency is key…
Just after the game face-off, Niels Nijs (#15 BEL) ends up on the penalty bench for tripping. The opposing team eagerly takes advantage of the situation to take the lead early in the first period through a power play goal via Ivan Kuleshov (#8 AUS). The Belgians also face a penalty shot in the first period, but Stijn Raymaekers (#1 BEL) stops the puck.
Two minutes into the second period, the Australians score again. The game gets a little rougher which translates into regular trips to the penalty bench by players from both teams.
In the third period a second penalty shot is awarded to 'Down Under'. Again, goalie Raeymaekers (#1 BEL) keeps his 'cool' and stops the puck. However, almost halfway through the final period, Dmtri Kuleshov (#17 AUS) scores the third goal for Australia. In the final minutes, Robbe Delport (#22 BEL) saves the Belgian honor and removes the zero from the scoreboard.
Final score BEL vs. AUS: 1-4 (0-1; 0-1; 1-2)
Results
14.01.2024 – 12:30 – BEL vs. TPE: 3-1
15.01.2024 – 19:30 – BEL vs. SRB: 0-4
17.01.2024 – 12:30 – BEL vs. AUS: 1-4
18.01.2024 – 16:00 – ISL vs. BEL
20.01.2024 – 12:30 – ROU vs. BEL