Fifth of seven international matches as part of the World Cup preparations: The German national team met Austria in front of an almost sold-out crowd of 4.682 spectators in Regensburg.
Most recently she had DEB-Selection suffered two narrow defeats against the Czech Republic (4:5 each). The Austrians lost twice in a row against World Cup hosts Slovakia (1:5, 1:2 n.P.). In this respect, both teams wanted to get back on the road to success and gain new self-confidence.
It had been there since Monday DEB-Selection prepared for the two neighborhood duels as part of the third phase of the World Cup preparation in Deggendorf. National coach Toni Söderholm had to do without the sick striker Fabio Pfohl for a short time, but was still able to field four full forward lines.
NHL player Korbinian Holzer led the team as captain DEB-Selection on the ice. Mathias Niederberger made his next appearance in goal as planned, while Niklas Treutle was available as a backup.
After a short sampling phase at the beginning of the first section, the German national team gained the upper hand in terms of share of the game. There were numerous good chances to score. But either the puck shot just wide or Austria's goalie Lukas Herzog, who was in a good mood, was able to make a save. Before the break, Leon Draisaitl (18th) finally scored the well-deserved opening goal. After a nice pass from Frederik Tiffels from his own zone, Marc Michaelis served the NHL professional, who hit the mark.
At the beginning of the second third, there was little change in the proportions of the game. Germany really pushed the pace and consequently increased the lead to 2-0. Leon Draisaitl (25th) was again the goalscorer after a pass from Jonas Müller and Frederik Tiffels. Four minutes later, the guests also celebrated for the first time thanks to Daniel Jakubitzka. While the DEBAs the selection continued to work towards goal number three, the Austrian selection also had better opportunities. Shortly before the end of the second section, Mathias Niederberger was able to defend himself with two strong and important ones Paraaward him.
In the final period, the German team repeatedly combined in front of the opponent's goal, but Dominik Bokk, Stefan Loibl and Fabio Wagner were unable to increase their lead. Instead, Lukas Haudum scored the Austrian equaliser in the 53rd minute. There were then several scoring opportunities on both sides, but they were unable to capitalise. But one team was still to celebrate that evening: Austria scored the decisive goal of the match through Dominique Heinrich. In the remaining 110 seconds, the German team tried again, including with an additional player, but the unfortunate 2:3 was the final result.
That will happen in just two days (Saturday, April 27, 2019). DEB-Selection again on Austria. The game takes place in Deggendorf. The game starts at 20.00 p.m. The game is sold out.
Toni Söderholm, national coach: “We are not happy with our overall performance today. We played well in the first 30 minutes. Afterwards we didn't act as we planned. We have to learn from our mistakes and do better next time.”
You can find all the statistics for the game HERE.