Forward Hayley Scamurra (in blue, left) of the United States attempts a shot on goal as goalkeeper Maria Sorokina (on the floor) of Team Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and her other teammates try to defend in the third period during the Women’s Preliminary Round Group A match at Wukesong Sports Centre in Beijing on Saturday. The US side crushed their opponents 5-0 in a hard-hitting clash that lent a little geopolitical tension to the contest.

The match, which saw an ill-tempered end, had a Cold War vibe running in the background with relations between the countries strained over Ukraine, where the West has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of preparing for a war.

“I’m just out there having fun,” said Abbey Murphy, who was in the middle of a scrum near the end that saw punches thrown. “I like bringing the gritty side to the team. I think that’s always helpful for a team, to be a little tough.” The victory kept the unbeaten US side on course towards a gold medal showdown with North American rivals Canada, who earlier produced another ruthless performance to pound third-ranked Finland 11-1.