The UK just can't seem to get it right when it comes to sport – if you watched any of the England or Scotland matches at the UEFA Euros you'll know what we mean.
But the Euros are another story (with the whole nation watching) and the IIHF has plenty to discuss. Why? A recent poor performance, a 5-2 defeat to Norway, led to a heartbreaking relegation from the top division. But was it deserved?
Please read on for more details.
Early struggles and defensive issues
It wasn't just the Norway match that disappoints Great Britain, it was every match that they played, and as a result they were bottom of Group A going into the match. Live Fixtures The odds have never been in Great Britain's favor. They've never won the IIHF and haven't finished in the top 10 since 1962. Unfortunately, the unfavorable statistics continue. But what about the game against Norway?
The problem was their defensive play. The team allowed three goals in the first period, which is never good for morale. Teams often crumble after the first goal, especially when they allow three in a row.
Norway took advantage of some defensive mistakes from Great Britain to secure the victory with goals from Markus Vikingstad, Patrick Thorressen and Eskildo Olsen Backe. Unfortunately for Great Britain, it was all downhill from there.
Issues with offense in absence of key players
Great Britain was missing some key players like Liam Kirk. Could they survive without him? He was battling illness towards the end of the tournament and missed most of the matches. Losing such a key player is tough for any team.
His limited appearance against Norway (he was sent off in midfield) left a noticeable void in the English attack, and without Kirk's incredible talents the team struggled to create goal-scoring chances and maintain attacking pressure.
Sure, Brett Perlini and Ollie Betteridge scored goals but without Kirk it wasn't enough to counter Norway's attack and make up for their own defensive failings. And maybe that's England's problem – they rely too much on one or two key players to carry the team.
Tactical and strategic failures
England's tactical approach was also lacking and was one of their many problems. Like a football team, the strategic decisions of the coach and players don't seem to work.
Coach Pete Russell acknowledged the difficulties of the tournament after the match, but this perspective did not help them find solutions during the match.
The team is fast-paced; Aggressive playstyle of most teams This is evident in the fact that the teams they faced did not win a single time throughout the tournament.
Poor clearances, such as Robert Lachowicz's mistake that led to Thorressen's goal, and an ineffective penalty kill were just some of the tactical weaknesses that plagued the English team.
Areas for improvement
Where do we start?
yes, Disappointment of relegation It's not a good thing, but if there's one positive to be found, it's that there are lessons to be learned.
For England to once again be competitive in the top flight, we will hopefully need to strengthen our defensive strategy, improve our attacking depth and gain a stronger foothold with tactical adaptability.
Investing in player development is also one of the most important things a team can do, but it won't cure the Kirks' ailments.
Great Britain's performance at the IIHF World Championship was not memorable. It's a shame to see such a performance from a team with so much potential. Do you think Great Britain will return to the top league anytime soon?
