Last match of Pool B saw a classic sport rivalry between the USA and Russia, with both teams still in contention to top the group with a win. Russia pressured early and took control of the proceedings by Anton Kornilov in the 8th minute. They kept pushing their opponent back on their heels, but the USA held tight, even though they had few chances of getting out of their own zone in the opening quarter. 

Play became more balance in second quarter, with chances at both ends. The Americans were keeping their composure and defensive structure, and it took a powerful penalty-corner by Denis Shchipachev in the 22nd minute to finally beat again Christopher Rea in the USA goal. The break seemed to deflate the American spirits and Shchipachev immediately added another penalty-corner for good measure.

Russia scored again by Pavel Golubev and the 4-goal gap at half-time seemed like an unsurmountable obstacle for the North Americans, who were having trouble finding ways into the Russian defensive block. 

The USA pulled back one goal early in second half, with a clinical finish by Christian Linney, and Pat Harris had a super chance soon after alone in front of Marat Gafarov  in the Russian goal. The Americans were now dictating pace and forced a penalty-corner; it was scored after a complicated (and possibly unplanned) option that found Alex Cunningham alone at the right post to slam the ball in goal. USA survived a penalty-corner and looked very much back in the game at the end of the third quarter (2-4).

The Americans kept pushing in the last quarter and were all over their opponent’s circle. They earned a penalty-corner but Gafarov pulled a spectacular stick save to maintain his team’s 2-goal cushion. With five minutes left in the match, the USA pulled their goal-keeper for an additional field player. They even had a double numerical advantage with Russia on a green card and their gambit paid off with another penalty-corner, but it was cleared by a Russian defenders. Russia closed ranks in the final minutes of the match to protect their endangered lead.

The win put them alone at the top of pool B, while the loss pushed the USA down to third place, behind Canada.