After Game 1 of the World Cup final yielded a tighter result than expected, Europe, despite losing, can view its effort as a foundation to potentially slow down the mighty Canadians.

The Europeans undoubtedly face an uphill climb, and it was clear Canada didn't put forth its best performance Tuesday night, but Ralph Krueger's squad has no choice but to lay it on the line in Game 2.

Here are three things Europe can do to force a decisive Game 3:

Play with pace

Captain Anze Kopitar said it himself - Europe knows they can compete, but they have to dictate pace.

Forcing a puck-possession team like Canada on its heels won't be easy, and Kopitar will surely have to be the engine that drives his team.

His elite two-way game might be best used in the defensive end, leaving the offense to Tomas Tatar, who emerged as Europe's top scoring threat in the elimination rounds.

Special attention to Crosby & Co.

Much easier said than done.

If you look at the list of top point-getters in the tournament, you'll see linemates Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand, and Patrice Bergeron leading the pack with nine, seven and six points, respectively.

Krueger needs some sort of plan to slow down the trio. Whatever it may take, Europe needs to execute, as these three provided the difference in two Canadian goals Tuesday night..

Halak builds a wall

If Air Canada Centre witnesses a miracle this week, it's more than likely because of Jaroslav Halak.

The 31-year-old netminder is Europe's best chance at stopping Canada's attack, and he's posted a sparkling .941 save percentage along with a 2.19 goals-against average through five starts.

Halak has succeeded as an underdog before, putting up similar numbers in carrying the eighth-seeded 2010 Montreal Canadiens to the Eastern Conference finals.

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