With an energetic performance, the German national ice hockey team also won the second game of the 2021 IIHF World Championship. They won about 20 hours after their 9-4 opening win against Italy DEB-Selection against Norway earned 5:1 (1:0, 3:1, 1:0). In the Arena Riga, Lean Bergmann, Leon Gawanke, Leo Pföderl, Matthias Plachta and Lukas Reichel scored the goals that were decisive for the first World Cup victory against Norway since 2007.
After Felix Brückmann did that against Italy DEBgoal, Mathias Niederberger received his first appearance at this World Cup against the eleventh in the world rankings. Otherwise let DEB-Head coach used the same players as the day before, when eight different goalscorers contributed to the result. A total of 14 German players were able to score at least one scorer point against Italy. Defender Jonas Müller was also eligible to play despite his big penalty in the first game.
From the start it delivered DEB-Selection of a fast-paced comparison with many intense duels against the team from Norway. There were initially no great chances to score on either side. Towards the end of the first period, national coach Toni Söderholm's team managed to increase the pressure on the opponent's goal. This led to the lead through Matthias Plachta (20th), who skillfully deflected a shot from captain Moritz Müller.
The increasing severity in the second section was met with DEB-Team a suitable answer. In his fifth international appearance, Leon Gawanke (24th) scored his first international goal with a direct pass. A little later, Leo Pföderl increased (27th) after the puck was dropped in the neutral zone by the “Berlin Connection" and was perfectly combined into the opponent's third. Shortly afterwards, Lukas Reichel (31') completed a great solo effort and extended the lead. Before the break, Norway also got back into the game. Goalkeeper Mathias Niederberger was able to distinguish himself several times, but had no chance when Emil Lilleberg's goal was slightly deflected (37').
With the comfortable leadership behind them, the DEB-Selection also in the final third. Lean Bergmann (45th) made the second tournament success within a few hours clear with a perfect wrist shot into the corner. Lukas Reichel was named the best player of the game.
On Sunday it did DEBThe team now has time to regenerate and replenish its energy reserves. Captain Moritz Müller's team will play its first evening game of the tournament on Whit Monday (live on SPORT19.00 from 1 p.m.) and will face a very interesting duel with Canada.
Voices about the game:
DEB-Sports director Christian Künast: “In the first two games we saw a very good performance from the whole team, the reward is the second win in the second game. This gives us a very good start to the World Cup tournament. Regardless of the results, it's just fun to feel this team spirit. Everyone is there for each other.”
National coach Toni Söderholm: “The opponent challenged us more than Italy. But it was also easier to stay in rhythm because the pace of the game was higher overall. We put in a very solid performance and now we have to analyze and prepare for the next opponent just as we always do. The Norway playing facility suited us. There is always room for improvement, but overall the boys deserve praise, we wanted to see consistent improvement from game one to two.”
Striker Lukas Reichel: “We got off to a good start and never stopped working for 60 minutes. Norway was a stronger opponent than Italy, but we were well prepared. Our BerlinThe formation has a lot of self-confidence and the right chemistry thanks to the championship. We get on really well off the ice and we're looking forward to bringing this to the national team."
Photos: Peter Schatz (psimages)