Farjestad BK 3 - 1 Tappara
The game began right on time at 8.30pm at the Slovnaft Arena in Bratislava. It was Finland’s Tappara versus Färjestad BK for a place in the final of the Red Bulls Salute. And the Swedes got off to a strong start, putting the team from the SM-liiga under pressure with some early attacking play. The nine-time Swedish champions demonstrated some impressive set pieces to create several opportunities, none of which they were able to capitalise on, however. In the 17th minute Tappara's Jussi Halme fired a shot which put goalie Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel to the test, but the goalie saved a total of 12 shots.
In the second period Färjestad BK would run rings around the Finns. Rickard Wallin handed his team the lead, after which they tried to keep the pace high and the momentum going, creating yet further opportunities. Tappara put the Swedes' goalie to the test several times from the blue line. The spectators appreciated their efforts and gave the fired-up Finns plenty of support. Speed and passion saw Tappera rewarded with the equaliser, Jarno Koskiranta closing the gap with a power play goal.
The level of performance in the final period matched that of the first two. There were hardly any penalties on either side. It was a fast-paced, fair and evenly matched game with several opportunities. But it was the two in-form goalies who kept the game open. In the 56th minute Rick Wallin put his team ahead once again. The 15-time Finnish champions then decided it was time to risk everything and had plenty of opportunities to equalise. But it was Marius Holtet of Färjestad BK who wrapped things up. Triumphant coach Leif Carlsson: " It was a very tight game. We didn't get into our stride until the second period. I think my team was lacking speed, plus Tappara defended very well. But we took our chance and now we're in the final. I'm expecting it to be a tough game against Luela."
After the second semi-final game, Bo Lennartsson, tournament director of the European Trophy, summarised the first two days of play: "The Red Bulls Salute is again proving to be a fantastic event, and Vienna and Bratislava are two very committed hosts. The fact that the two cities are close is ideal. Vienna played two very strong games. Bratislava were unlucky to go out in the quarter-final. We have made another step in the right direction and have taken the European Trophy to the next level."
RED BULLS SALUTE - SEMI-FINAL
Tappara – Färjestad BK 1-3 (0-0, 1-1, 0-2)Goals: Koskiranta (39th/PP) and Wallin (26th/55th), Holtet (60th/EN)
Tappara – Färjestad BK 1-3 (0-0, 1-1, 0-2)Goals: Koskiranta (39th/PP) and Wallin (26th/55th), Holtet (60th/EN)
The Swedes will meet their fellow countrymen from Lulea in Sunday's final in Bratislava. The game starts at the Slovnaft Arena at 8pm.
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