Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper is extremely unusual

Also, Irbe praised Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper Andrej Shutov, who was extraordinary when protecting the goal. The day before, it was Shutov, saving 48 of 51 shots, that helped Kazakhstan beat Slovakia in the shootout.

“He doesn’t look around too much, but he dances during the musical breaks, plays with the puck when it needs to be forced. You can expect everything from him. Very talented, but he has to pull himself together, because if he does that, then he can show miracles,” said the coach.

“Extremely unusual goalkeeper, I don’t even remember the last time when I saw such a free goalkeeper. Maybe in 1983 or 1984 there was one Polish goalkeeper who looked more in the stands than following the game,” said Irbe

The Latvian national team started the championship with two losses, losing 0:6 to Canada and 1:2 to Slovakia, then in extra time they defeated the Czechs 4:3, beat Norway 2:1 and Slovenia 3:2.

Kazakhstan defeated Norway on penalty kicks in the first match, but then suffered defeats in matches against group favorites Czech Republic (1-5), Switzerland (0-5) and Canada (1-5). On Friday, Kazakhstan failed to defend a two-goal lead, but withstood 51 shots from Slovakia and celebrated another shootout victory – 4-3.

With 12 points in four games, Switzerland takes the first place in the group, Canada has 11 points, the Czech Republic has ten points, and Latvia is fourth with eight points in five matches. Slovakia is behind the hosts with five points in five games, Kazakhstan has four points in five matches and Norway in four games, while Slovenia has no points in five matches.