The men's national team has in the third game of the 2024 IIHF World Championship have to accept defeat. The final score was against the selection from Sweden in front of 8.309 spectators Ostrava Arena 1:6.
There were some changes in the line-up compared to the game against the USA. Philipp received in goal Grubauer his second World Cup appearance, Fabio Wagner returned to the squad in defense. There were also some updates to report on the offensive: Lukas Reichel came to his first game of the current World Cup alongside Dominik direction and Frederik Tiffels. For this Alexander formed Ehl, JJ Peter and Wojciech Stachowiak a new storm formation.
The Swedes pushed the pace right from the start and got off to a better start in the game. As early as the third minute, Erik Karlsson took advantage of the space in the slot and left Philipp Grubauer no chance to defend in the goal. Then came that DEB-Selection into the game better, was often able to stop the opponent's quick build-up game and came up with the first offensive actions that were worth seeing. Nevertheless it was Grubauer once again powerless as Marcus Peterson (15.) increased with a well-placed shot into the corner. Three seconds before the break, the Swedes used a power play, Victor Olofsson scored the third goal for the Swedes - a blow to the neck for the German team just before the break.
The game also remained fast-paced in the second half DEB-Selection had to do the hard work, especially in the defensive zone. In the 25th minute of the game, Carl Grundstrom increased for his colors, and at half time it was Andre Burakovksy, who scored the fifth goal for the “Three Kronor“ achieved. The German team, however, rarely managed to provide relief. They survived two consecutive shorthanded games in the second half of the period DEB-Selection without prejudice.
With Mathias Niederberger im DEB-Goal went into the final period of this game after the break. Even though this third was much more balanced than before, there were only a few chances for the German team to score. Leo succeeded in the 48th minute Pföderl but thanks to the preparatory work of Marc Michaelis and Yasin Ehliz the DEB-Immortalize your selection on the scoreboard with your goal. Finally, Sweden scored again and sealed it thanks to Isac Lundestrom the final result of 1:6 from a German perspective.
On Wednesday is for the DEB-Select the next World Cup game. The opponent is Latvia, the game starts at 16:20 p.m.
National coach Harold Kreis: “After today's game, it was important that we showed a good final third. These final 20 minutes are what we take with us into the next game. The Swedes played well today and we struggled to get into the game. We will of course analyze the game again in detail and draw our conclusions for the rest of the tournament. We will now reflect on our strengths and build on them for the next games.”
Captain Moritz Müller: “It was a difficult game today. We knew we would face strong opponents, but we can still do better. We were a bit too hesitant and didn't act bold enough. Now it’s time to get together as a team again. The tournament continues and we now have to draw a line under the last two games. We still have everything in our own hands and we want to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Defender Lukas Kälble: “The Swedes presented themselves strongly today. We lost a few targets at the start of the game and made life difficult for ourselves. The Swedish team was able to convert their chances efficiently, but we didn't play our game today. We showed good signs in the final third and we now have to build on that. We'll finish the game now. We have a day off from the game tomorrow, which we will use to clear our heads and prepare optimally for the upcoming game against Latvia.”