First World Cup game, first victory: The German women's national team has successfully started the 2021 IIHF World Championship in Calgary (Canada). The team of national coach Tom Schädler won against the Hungarian selection 3-0 (2-0, 0-0, 1-0). The goals for the DEBNina Christof (2) and Julia Zorn made the selection. Goalkeeper Jennifer Harß celebrated a shutout.
After a balanced start, the women's national team gained more and more possession through patient, concentrated play and rewarded themselves with two goals: Nina Christof scored the first German goal (13th) after strong preparatory work by Sonja Weidenfelder. The goalscorer had celebrated her 18th birthday just three days ago and had previously earned a place in the German squad with strong performances. But that wasn't enough: the World Cup debutant was able to celebrate again a short time later (14th) when she skilfully deflected a shot by Katharina Jobst-Smith when they were in the majority.
She also did it in the second section DEB-Selection continued and was able to put pressure on the opponent again and again. The Hungarians only came into play in the middle of the third, when they were able to have the advantage several times. But Jenny Harß in the German team's goal was able to fend off all of the Hungarians' chances to score, so that the lead remained 2-0 at the second break.
In the final section, the German team controlled the game for long periods and left little to their opponents. Captain Julia Zorn's (53rd) beautiful backhand hit finally cleared things up so that the women's national team was able to secure an unchallenged opening victory at the World Cup.
Nina Christof was chosen as the best player of the game.
National coach Tom Schädler: “It took us a while to find our way into the game. Things got better and better and the two goals gave us the security we needed. We missed a few chances in the second half, but we didn't let that bother us. Julia's goal was the decision for us. I’m also pleased with the shutout for Jenny, which was made possible by the work of the entire team.”
Striker Nina Christof: “For me, just being here at the World Cup is a dream come true. Overall, it was good teamwork from all of us today. Of course I would like to thank my teammates who presented me so well and put the disc on me.”
The success against Hungary gave the women's national team confidence for the next World Cup game in Group B next Monday, August 23, 2021 against Denmark (game starts at 12 p.m. local time, 20 p.m. German time). The Denmark team lost their first group game 1:6 against the Czech Republic.
World Cup Schedule Group B (Calgary)
Aug 21.08.2021, 12 | 00:20 p.m. (00:XNUMX p.m.) | Germany – Hungary 3:0 (2:0, 0:0, 1:0)
Aug 23.08.2021, 12 | 00:20 p.m. (00:XNUMX p.m.) | Germany - Denmark
Aug 25.08.2021, 16 | 00:00 (00:1 +XNUMX) | Czech Republic - Germany
Aug 26.08.2021, 19 | 30:03 p.m. (30:1 +XNUMX) | Japan – Germany