After the 2:8 in the opening game, national coach Marco Sturm is calling for an increase in performance
The defeat was heavy, but also deserved. "We started well and played well for 30 minutes," said national coach Marco Sturm after the 2:8 defeat in the opening match of the Deutschland Cups against record world champions Russia on Friday evening. But then his team “collapsed because we stopped running.” That shouldn't be allowed to happen, warned Sturm.
Indeed, Russia found their way into the game after two quick goals and the substitution of the injured Dennis Endras in the German team's goal. Timo Pielmier, who stepped in coldly between the posts for Endras, was later on a pity, as he was unable to prevent the other goals conceded.
“It’s really good that we can play again on Saturday,” said Marcus Kink after the game and, like Sturm, called for “a reaction”. In order to be able to implement this plan, however, a much better performance is required than on Friday. The Slovaks demonstrated what they are capable of in the first match on Friday against the USA. The 2-1 win over the strong Americans was ultimately deserved. The title holder wants his second tournament victory in a row.
As announced, Sturm will send a different squad onto the ice today. Pielmeier is allowed to play in goal from the start. Patrick Hager, Leo Pföderl, Yasin Ehliz, Bernhard Ebner and Daryl Boyle, who were rested yesterday, are moving into the squad.