It will be a great surprise if Anže Kopitar isn't included in the historical head-to-head against Austria. He feels much better and there has never been any doubt about his readiness or motivation. Foto: STA
It will be a great surprise if Anže Kopitar isn't included in the historical head-to-head against Austria. He feels much better and there has never been any doubt about his readiness or motivation. Foto: STA
Sabahudin Kovačević (Slovenija) - Branko Radivojevič (Slovaška)
After a one-match suspension Sabahudin Kovačević returns to the team. Together with Aleš Kranjc they represent the heart of Slovenia's defense in Sochi. Foto: EPA
Robert Kristan
After a one-match rest Robert Kristan will also return in the Slovenian goal. He had a great performance against the Slovaks. Foto: Reuters

Slovenia's ice hockey players had a free day to get ready for the repechage match against Austria. Only seven "lynx" stepped on the ice today. The ill Anže Kopitar feels much better and should be ready to play!

Slovenia's number one hockey star skipped practice after having stomach problems on Sunday. Anže Kopitar's condition is much better today. According to representatives from the national team Slovenia's first choice center will be ready to play in the qualification match against Austria for a spot in the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal reward is a match against Sweden, the best team of the tournament so far.

High-level treatment for the number one star
Representatives of the "Lynx" are satisfied with Anže's treatment in hospital. He underwent professional medical treatment and felt immediately better after taking some powder. His condition has improved since the match against the U.S, when Kopitar failed to finish the match due to nausea and stomach pains.
According to Radio Slovenia's reporter Marko Pangerc, the hospital hasn't confirmed 100% whether it was a case of a stomach flu or a viral infection. "No need to worry that Anže won't play. That's what Slovenia's team says," is what Pangerc confirmed from Sochi for MMC.

Relinquishing the role of being a favourite
Our radio colleague also informed us that Austria's enthusiasm for playing Slovenia for a spot in the quarterfinals was not as one-sided as one would assume by reading Austria's press. Austria's journalists are now very cautious ahead of the match and even point to the "Lynx" as being the favourites. On one hand both teams know each other all too well, and both Slovenians and Austrians are convinced that they face a beatable opponent.

Fear from a loss that would ache for a long time
"Whoever loses will be hugely disappointed," is how the radio commentator sums up the feelings on both sides. Who knows when any of the two teams will get such a good chance to make it among the top eight ice hockey teams in the world. "It would've been much easier to accept the role of an underdog, like for example against the Czech Republic. If you would lose you would say: We played against Jaromir Jagr. Thank you very much, we're going home."

But on Tuesday morning during the neighbour head-to-head derby you won't find that kind of feeling – the defeated will tearfully weep for their lost opportunity. That feeling could bring a lot of nervousness, disorder, and absent-mindedness into the game.