Beijing, February 17 (Xinhua) -- In the women's ice hockey final of the Beijing Winter Olympics on the 17th, the leading Canadian team withstood the counterattack of the American team in the first half, defeated the opponent 3:2, won the fifth winter Olympic gold medal in the history of the team, and set a new record of 57 goals scored by the women's ice hockey team in a single Winter Olympic Games.
On February 17, the women's ice hockey gold medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics, canada celebrated after winning the championship. Photo by Xu Zijian, Xinhua News Agency
This is the sixth time that Canada and the United States have met in the final since the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics women's ice hockey was listed as an official sport, and both teams are familiar with each other's playing styles and characteristics. At the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the United States won the gold medal by defeating Canada in the "penalty shootout". In the group stage of this Winter Olympics, Canada defeated the United States 4:2.
Shortly after the opening, Canada's cold shot from outside the perimeter was sent into the goal by Asheton Bell after being broken by Sarah Filil in front of goal with a club. After watching the replay video, the referee ruled that the Canadian player was offside and that the goal was invalid.
The episode didn't disrupt Canada's rhythm, and at 7:50, after they scrambled for the ball in the offensive zone, Sarah Nas grabbed a low shot in front of goal, and the ice ball hit the goal post and went into the net, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. The U.S. team also created many threatening scoring opportunities, but in contrast, Canada's offense appeared more stable, accurate and fierce.
Players from both sides competed in the women's ice hockey gold medal match at the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 17. Photo by Ang Lee, Xinhua News Agency
In the 15th minute, Canadian maria Filip Pauline made a successful steal with the cooperation of her teammates and counter-attacked the ball into the upper corner of the goal to give Canada a 2-0 lead. The goal also made her the only hockey player in the history of the Winter Olympics to have scored in four consecutive finals.
After that, the U.S. team stepped up its offensive, and the Canadian team was in danger in front of the goal, and the team members did not hesitate to fall on the ice and block the opponent's shot with their bodies. In the 29th minute, Canada played a counter-attack, Brianna Jenner's powerful shot from the middle was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, and Pauling's follow-up shot at the back point helped Canada lead 3:0.
In the 36th minute, American player Megan Keller was punished for a foul and was sentenced to leave the field for 2 minutes. With less and more play, they played a wonderful counterattack, Hillary Knight broke through the goal with the ball, the ball was blocked by the Canadian goalkeeper, and Knight made up the shot to recover 1 point for the United States.
On February 17, A U.S. player scored a goal in the final moments of the women's ice hockey gold medal match at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Ran
One and a half minutes before the final, Canada was sent off for 2 minutes. The U.S. team replaced the goalkeeper, added 1 offensive player, and launched a siege against Canada. With just 12.5 seconds left, Amanda Kessel scored another goal for the United States in the melee in front of goal. But time was running out, and the United States failed to equalize and eventually lost 2-3.
American player Knight said after the game: "It's clear we haven't done enough to reach our potential. I am proud of our efforts. ”
"This championship is the result of the efforts of the whole team." Pauling, who scored two goals for Canada, said after the game, "The 2018 Winter Olympics (losing the gold medal) made us feel hard, (today) we were strong and fought until the end, and I'm glad our efforts paid off. ”
Editors: Wang Hengzhi, Yu Sihui, Cao Yibo, Zhang Yumeng (Intern)