Wings4Life
Registered User
Actually I think you'll find national pride from playing at home was the greatest motivator - some countries have it - other - not so much. And that Czech team wasn't bad at all - they would have taken russian down, I believe, if opponents were switched the game before.
I could easily respond that the Czechs were dominated by the States, who were trashed by Russia...but you're right. With Znarok at the helm, victory over the Czechs was no certainty.
With a competent coach however, this Russian team would have steamrolled the Czechs, and put up a much better fight against canada though. Defensive roster holes and all.