Azerbaijan 7-2 win over Bulgaria was dominant from start to finish as they played excellent on offense and defense from start to finish. Azerbaijan clung to a slim lead after the first period but charged forward in the second frame, while maintaining pressure through the final period. The win gives Azerbaijan six points in the group and second place, behind Poland. The two second place teams in each Division B group will play for the Promotion Final 3rd Place on Sunday, with Azerbaijan facing Turkey. Bulgaria will be facing Estonia on Sunday in the Promotion Final 7th Place match.
The Azerbaijan and Bulgaria match was played very tight and neither squad separated themselves in the opening minutes. The stalemate ended with a great shot and finish from Asif of Azerbaijan, that gave his team a 1-0 lead. The Azeri doubled their lead shortly after the first goal on a ricocheting shot from Jomard found the back of the net, which put them up 2-0. Bulgaria looked ready to get back into proceedings early in the middle frame but they were unable to capitalize on the chances. Contrarily, Azerbaijan made the most of their looks and when the period ended, Bulgaria had scored to prevent a clean sheet, but Azerbaijan did also, putting the score at 4-1 for Azerbaijan going into the final period.
The final frame began with Azerbaijan controlling proceedings, however Bulgaria did add another goal to draw within four goals. Sitting at 4-2, Azerbaijan tried to keep the pressure on and did not sit back and wait. Bulgaria still put themselves in positions to score more goals and spark the dream of a comeback, but they did not come to fruition. At the end of the match Azerbaijan finished the victor, with a score of 7-2.
Goals: 1-0: Asif, min. 7 (1); 2-0: Jomard, min. 5 (1); 3-0: Orkhan, min. 9 (2); 4-0: Jomard, min. 5 (2); 4-1: Martinov, min. 5 (2); 5-1: Zeynal, min. 1 (2); 6-1: Jomard, min. 8 (3); 6-2: G. Filipov, min. 7 (3); 7-2: Zeynal, min. 1 (3).
21.08.2014 |