Poland did not wait long to stake their claim on the match, scoring two goals in quick succession, first in the 2nd minute by Bartosz ŻYWICZKA penetrating the circle before crucifying the Russian keeper, then by Artur MIKUŁA on a reverse-stick shot.

After this thundering start, the Russians reacted well and the game became more balanced. Following a swift counter-attack by Alexander KOROLEV, very active in midfield, Alexandre PLATONOV received the ball alone in the circle, but lost his one-on-one duel with Mariusz CHYŁA in the Polish goal. Alexandre PLATONOV had another massive chance to score but, with the keeper out of position, he could not adjust his shot towards the empty net.

Russia were finally rewarded of their effort when they earned a penalty-stroke in the final minute of the period, however Mariusz CHYŁA once again stood tall in the Polish goal to block Dmitry VOLKOV’s attempt. The honor to score the first Russian goal in this tournament was finally for Alexander LIKOV, early in second period, reducing the gap to a single goal.

Poland completely lost their initial momentum and Russia had most of the opportunities in second period, including a couple of clear shots on goal that they scrambled. Poland had a late reaction and earned a series of penalty-corners but the strikers were not in a prolific day and the score stayed at 2-1, a win that satisfied Poland but left the Russians frustrated with their second period missed opportunities.