“I had no idea, but suddenly so much space”

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A dream goal. Just like in the first game against Servette, Zug’s mini striker Lino Martschini (1.67 m) starts with the 1:0 – with a goal that is worthwhile. The second game (3:1) is preceded by a scene that makes people laugh.

Martschini sprints towards the Geneva zone with the puck. “I was expecting the check,” he says. Minister of Defense Henrik Tömmernes is present. The Zuger deftly starts an evasive maneuver. “My goal was to dodge, but still be able to hold the puck.” Suddenly he has all the space. He doesn’t hesitate for long, shoots and hits.

Zehnder describes the check to Martschini

Martschini does not even notice what is happening behind his back. “Zehnder only told me on the players bench.” The slapstick check: When Zuger changes direction abruptly, his pursuer Tanner Richard can no longer brake in time and he hits his own teammate with Tömmernes. In this way he clears the way for Martschini. “I will definitely watch the scene,” said the goalscorer.

After the equalizer in the semi-final against Geneva, the native of Zug is satisfied with the performance of his team. “We didn’t have a slump, but called our performance for 60 minutes.” Martschini himself also walks, which he particularly likes. Because he had to watch the playoff games from the stands just a year ago, he was out due to a back injury. “That was hard. We live for these emotions and fights in the playoffs.”

Martschini has been working on himself

In the past, Martschini has often had to accept the accusation that he failed to make the rough playoffs and was no longer involved. Until coach Dan Tangnes took over EVZ in 2018. “He helped me a lot that the play-offs would also be my thing.” In the previous five years, Martschini had not scored more than one goal. Under the wing of Tangnes, he increases his production – because the coach ruined his attitude, his self-confidence.

The EVZ recognition figure has taken another step in the development. Not to a better, but to a more complete player. “Lino’s talent has never been questioned,” said coach Tangnes. Mentally and defensively, the 30-year-old defender has progressed. “I can handle the rougher gait better and implement my game. I took the coach’s advice and worked on it.” He has proven that he can play a part in the playoffs. “He has so many qualities,” says Tangnes, “As you have seen, agility is one of them. Above all, he always has the will to become even better.

Source : Blick