NHL superstar Patrick Kane and Co. are waiting for the German team / Dennis Seidenberg: “We need a lot of energy and our best performance”
No, Marco Sturm was not happy after the 4:5 penalty shootout against Norway on Sunday. Not at all. "I am not happy with the result," the national coach told the media representatives. "So the defeat is not undeserved overall." They also failed to do the little things right and to perform as a team. Sturm's conclusion: "We have to do better today against Team USA."
At least: In the first two appearances at the World Cup, they have managed to get two points. These points could still be important, depending on how the rest of the tournament goes. Daniel Pietta, who is about to make his 100th international appearance, explained why they were not able to get more: "We were always chasing a deficit against Norway and were never able to take the lead. Internationally, it is then difficult to come back," said the striker.
The task today (16.15:1 p.m., live on SPORTXNUMX) against the superstar-studded Team USA will be difficult. You don't have to be a prophet to know that the Americans are the overwhelming favorites. "In the tournament so far, they have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with this year," said Pietta, adding the obvious: "We need our best tournament performance today."
All eyes will probably be on Patrick Kane. The NHL superstar and two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks is the team leader of the US boys. But the focus should not only be on Kane. Numerous other players in the North American team are also among the best in their field in the NHL. After a few years of dreariness, the German opponents seem to have some plans this year. Canada (5:4 after penalties) and Denmark (4:0) have already felt the USA's ambitions.
Captain Dennis Seidenberg has already set the course: "A good start is extremely important. We need a lot of energy on the ice right away. Above all, we have to avoid turnovers. The Americans are very strong this year. With their individual class, they are very dangerous in each of their attack lines."