Krueger: Europe out to 'make it difficult for Canada to win'

Europe entered the World Cup of Hockey as unanimous underdogs.

Now, they at least want to go out with some bite.

That's the approach being taken by head coach Ralph Krueger, who, after his team's semifinal win over Sweden on Sunday, cited a need to remain in the moment and not yet begin to reflect on what Europe has accomplished at the international tournament.

Instead, he's determined to ensure Europe won't be an easy out for Canada.

"We want to give Canada and the world a really good final," he told reporters. "We still have hockey to play here, and we want to be competitive, and we want to make it difficult for Canada to win the World Cup, and we'd like to get in the way of that."

How effectively Europe can accomplish that goal remains to be seen, but the finals appearance is more than most expected out of this club, and will be something to look back on with fondness in the future.

For now, the chance at greater glory remains firmly on the table.