The German U16 women's national team won their opening game in the European Cup against Austria 2-1 (1-0/0-0/1-1).
The beginning was promising. The German girls brought the puck to the goal time and again in the first few minutes alone. Only the utilization of opportunities and the good Austrian goalkeeper prevented the Germans from taking the lead. In the 9th minute, it was Annabella Sterzik who converted a pass in front of the goal to make it 1-0. The German team then tried to extend their lead, but they were unable to score again until the first half-time whistle.
The start of the second period belonged to the Austrians. The German team did not get decisively in front of the goal of the team from the neighboring country in the first few minutes. Coach Florian Neumayer's team improved in the middle of the third, but the narrow lead could not be extended until the second half-time whistle.
In the final third, the German players launched one attack after the other, but they failed either because of the goalkeeper, because the moves were too complicated or because of the Austrian defenders. In the 43rd minute of the game, Lilli Welcke was in the right place in front of the goal and deflected a shot from Franziska Klinger to make it 2-0. As a result, the Austrians always remained dangerous through counterattacks. In the 52nd minute, Katharina Neuberger completed such a counterattack to make it 2-1. Both teams were then able to create further chances, but no goal was scored and so the German girls were able to celebrate their first win in the tournament.
Tommy Kettner, U18 women's national coach: “We were overwhelmingly superior in the first and last third. Our shortcoming today was taking advantage of our chances. Austria's goalkeeper was in very good form, our girls have to act more cleverly in such situations. With 49:15 shots in our favor, we have to be even more consistent here in the coming games. Now let’s prepare as best we can for tomorrow’s game against Hungary.”
Tomorrow the German selection will face hosts Hungary at 15.30:XNUMX p.m. The game is live www.sportstream.hu to see.
Germany: Neuert (Pfeifer) – Klinger (C), Raschke (A); Sterzik, Lilli Welcke, Luisa Welcke – Strompf, King; Leveringhaus (A), Kubiczek, Christof – Heinz, Merkle; Hark, Gruchot, Idschok, – Leonhardt, Bartell, Miller
Tore: 1:0 Annabella Sterzik (08:41), 2:0 Lilli Welcke (42:05/PP1), 2:1 Katharina Neuberger (51:42)
Penalty minutes: Germany 4 – Austria 6