Goals by Stephan Daschner and Marc Michaelis / Sold out arena: 3.100 spectators in Kaufbeuren / Söderholm: “First endurance test successfully passed.”
First test match, first victory: The German national team won 3.100-2 against Slovakia on Thursday evening in front of 1 spectators (sold out) in Kaufbeuren. On Saturday (20.00 p.m., tickets below deb-online.de/tickets) meets the DEB-Selection in Garmisch-Partenkirchen again for the World Cup host.
National coach Toni Söderholm sent four national team debutants onto the ice. Dominik Bokk (19 years old, Växjo Lakers / SWE), Parker Tuomie (23, Minnesota State University), Tim Wohlgemuth (19, ERC Ingolstadt) and Sven Ziegler (24, Straubing Tigers) each played their first men's international match for Germany.
The Slovaks got off to an optimal start to the game. After less than a minute, Matus Sukel (1st) hit the mark and surprised the German team. Even after that, the guests had a few good opportunities thanks to their aggressive forechecking, which goalkeeper Matthias Niederberger was able to save. At the end of the first section the DEB-Selection on their part to put a lot of pressure on the guests' goal. However, there were no further hits.
Cheered on by the atmospheric backdrop, the German national team started the second half with more momentum towards the goal. After two Slovak players were banished to the penalty box in quick succession, the DEB-Selection skillfully double the majority. After preparatory work by Dominik Bokk and Leo Pföderl, Stephan Daschner (34th) hit the mark. And the DEB-The selection stuck with it, which paid off: After a nice pass from Dominik Bokk, Marc Michaelis (39th) scored from close range with a one-timer to take the deserved lead shortly before the second break.
Things remained exciting in the final section. Slovakia clearly tried to equalize. But the German national team acted concentratedly on defense. Even when we were outnumbered, the consistent defensive work paid off. Mathias Niederberger was a very secure support between the posts and was attacked several times Fans celebrated loudly. Just like Tim Wohlgemuth, who as a local hero was able to do a lap of honor after winning the game.
“It was a difficult start to the game. We improved significantly over the course of the game and found a way to win this first tough test,” said national coach Toni Söderholm after the game.