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It was a match of completely different periods. An even match was also fought in the stands, filled with about 1500 spectators. While the Russians were supported by their team mates from the delegation, the Finns were mostly cheered on by schoolchildren from Liberec.

The first period finished without a goal, the initial part was dominated by the active Russians, but their attempts to score were nullified by the Finnish goalkeeper. He was kept busy, particularly by the Russian forward, Yakimov.

At the beginning of the second period the Russians made use of their power play, awarded for too many Finnish players on the ice, and an exemplary combination was executed by Khlopotov in the 23rd minute. However, the Russians’ tight lead energised the Suomi players and their pressure bore fruit in the 35th minute after a precise piece of cooperation between Markkula from the left side and Tauriainen, who scored the equalizing goal.

With the score at 1:1, the third period was dominated by the Scandinavian team, especially Teräväinen, who came very close to scoring. The Finnish game reached new heights and put pressure on their opponents so that it was a relief for the Russians to take a two-minute time-out. Full-time came without a winner; the players had a short rest and then went into a four-on-four ten-minute overtime. However, Osnovin cut the overtime short by shooting the golden goal. The lucky shooter was mobbed on the ice by his fellow team members, who, in golden glee, dropped their helmets all over the ice of the cheering Tipsport Arena. It was a long time before the thunderous shouting: "Rossija, Rossija!" fell silent.

The Russians were again fortunate in the finals on Friday afternoon. After victory over the Swiss in the semi-final, which came about after a nerve-wracking shoot-out, they had taken the final golden step in sudden-death overtime.  

Russia - Finland 2:1 OT (0:0, 1:1, 0:0 - 1:0). Goals: 23. Khlopotov, 64. Osnovin - 35. Tauriainen.

Final statistics of the Ice Hockey tournament