If Hungary wants to guarantee a spot in next years U-18 world championships then they will need to beat Russia. A simple one goal win will not be enough, they will need to win 5-0 to guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals, if they do not pull off the win then they will most likely play Japan in a best of three relegation series.
From the start of the tournament the Hungarian team was saying that they need to beat Russia to avoid relegation, and it will be no easy task. The Russian team has a group of very skilled forwards that are led by Olympian and team captain Anna Shokhina. The Russian forwards are great stick handlers and very good skaters but if there was a weakness then it is that they play a bit too individualistic. MAC Budapest coach Jan Bylesjö had this to say about the Russian forwards after the game against Sweden “They looked pretty sharp, they have two very good lines that are only thinking offensively. It looked like they were only playing with these two lines”
Against the Americans in the first game they got down early had a trouble getting back into the game because they were playing too individualistically. Against Sweden they were almost a different team since they played as a team, however it did help that they scored three power play goals and had a penalty shot. It is very important that Hungary play disciplined and not take bad penalties.
Hungarian forward Kriszti Krivi feels that the Russians might be a bit too predictable, and that Hungary has a chance against them. Team captain Dorottya Medgyes has the same thoughts “I think we are the better team, and if we pay attention we can win, we play a different style as they do which could end up being the difference maker”
If Hungary places disciplined and with in their system they should have no problem winning, however scoring at least 5 against Russia will be a tall task.