France fought bravely but it wasn’t enough

The most pleasant surprise of Helsinki group team France continued its good games until to a bitter end. Narrow loss to Slovakia left France on the fifth place and once out of quarterfinals. Last preliminary round game between these two teams was very exciting until mid of third period when Branko Radivojevic scored on power play for Slovakia. That meant that France would need two goals to reach quarterfinals and that was too much.

"We were close to our dream and played a very good last game. We can be proud of ourselves in this tournament" said Nicolas Besch from French team and there he couldn't be more right.

Slovakia played same style like earlier for example against USA and Switzerland. They were patient and played smartly and strike effectively when the chance came.

Slovakia's Tomas Tatar gave credit to France: "Always when we scored we thought they are on ropes and done but every time they came back. Well except after our fifth goal."

Slovakia has improved its game all tournament long and their patient and calm system has worked pretty well. Now we will see how it really works in the most important game when quarterfinals start on Thursday. Who they will face will clear out in the evening game USA-Switzerland. France's tournament ended today but it was the best tournament for years for the Frenchmen.