Against Switzerland in the quarter-finals (13.10:XNUMX, CET) / “We will face a well-organized opponent”
The day after the 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Norway, national coach Marco Sturm gave his boys a day off. The motto for them was to relax, switch off and just unwind DEB-Selection on Monday. It's best for the national players not to see an ice rink. If possible, do everything other than think about ice hockey.
The team thanked their coach, who only asked for a video analysis that evening. Most players used the day to explore the town even better. The majority sought their way to the Sea of Japan, around six kilometers from the Olympic Village. The rest relaxed in the village or went for a long coffee a few meters outside. After all, many of the actors' families are currently on site visiting their favorites at the Olympic Games.
Marco Sturm and his coaching team use the time differently. The four coaches were busy analyzing the videos throughout the day. On the one hand, the Norway game was examined again, and on the other hand, the Swiss performances in the tournament so far were looked at. Preparation is everything. Sturm's conclusion: "We will face a very well-organized opponent." At the dress rehearsal, the German selection managed a 2-1 win after extra time in Kloten. “But that’s history. Today will be a whole new game.”
The fact is that Danny from the Birches will be guarding the goal again. Jonas Müller is also moving into the line up. Whether Sinan Akdag and Patrick Reimer can play will be decided at short notice. Both were at morning training, but not on the ice. “We have to wait and see,” said Sturm, who only wants to decide on these personal details before the match after consulting with the players.
“The games against Switzerland have always been close. I expect a close game on equal terms in the evening too,” said captain Marcel Goc. According to the striker, as always, the little things are crucial. “The opponent is strong in terms of running. The pace will definitely be high,” said Goc. “Whether it’s five-on-five or special teams, every situation can be crucial. We have to assert our game. Just like we have done before.”