When the two teams, belonging to erstwhile East Bloc or the Soviet group, play each other, Russians stand out not only because of the geographical size of their nation but also the position it enjoyed a couple of decades ago. Today when Russia met Poland in FIH Series Finals at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, many going by the early games results, thought Poland to be favourites. But Russians proved them all wrong .After an intense clash between the two European representatives of the FIH Men’s Series Finals, Russia came out winners. With six points, the Russians have ensured at least a berth in the cross-overs.Before their last Pool game, Russians and Polish were equal on points but Poland had a better goal difference (+2 vs +1). Were the Poles going to manage to keep their advantage in the standings or were the Russians going to win that game and consequently overtake their opponents of the day? That was the question.The early minutes of the match were quite a balanced affair, therefore reflecting how closely the teams stand in the FIH World Rankings (Poland 21 and Russia 22). Quickly however, Russia increased the pressure and it was thanks to an outstanding performance by Maciej Pacanowski that Poland was able to stay in this game. However, the talented Polish goalkeeper could do nothing about the strength and precision of Pavel Golubev’s shot at the beginning of the second quarter. It was a deserved lead for the Russians who were clearly dominating the match. Vladimir Konkin’s players were determined to ensure a larger lead and continued to pile on the attack. But they missed several chances and a rapid counter-attack, led to a goal from Mateusz Hulboj, Poland’s inspired goal-scorer, who found the target shortly before half-time.In the second half, the game became more even. Both teams created good chances without translating pressure into goals. But a few seconds before the end of the third quarter, Poland earned a penalty stroke. Team captain Pawel Bratkowski did not miss such an opportunity to put his side in the lead for the first time in this game.This spurred the Russians on. They spared no efforts to equalise and their efforts were rewarded three minutes before the final whistle with drag-flicker Semen Matkovskiy scoring from a penalty corner. Things got even better just moments later when Pavel Golubev, elected Man of the Match, scored his second goal of the night.Russia’s Pavel Golubev: “We came here to win this game. At the beginning we were pressing and had a lot of good moments but we couldn’t convert them into goals. That’s why we had problems in the second and third quarters and conceded some unnecessary goals. But we kept focused and managed to win this game.”Poland’s Head Coach Karol Sniezek: “We are very disappointed because it was really important for us to get at least a draw and if you lose the game in one minute, you’re really disappointed. But we did not start well at all. Russia played really well in the first half. Our second half was better but still not enough to get a draw.”
Result: Russia 3, Poland 2 (Pool A)
Man of the Match: Pavel Golubev (RUS)
