The German women's U18 national team secured another three points in their fourth group game at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship (Division I, Group A). DEB-Selection of U18 women's national coach Sebastian Jones Germany defeated the previously undefeated Japanese team 2-1 (1-1, 1-0, 0-0). In the Ritten Arena, Charleen Poindl and captain Theresa Zielinski turned an early 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 victory. This win put Germany at the top of the standings, and they can secure qualification with a win against Norway on Sunday.
Both teams initially focused on defense before Japan took the lead in the 4th minute. German goaltender Tara Bach made a comfortable save from Nana Akimoto's shot, but Ito Tsumugi deflected the puck into the net after winning the face-off, scoring the first goal of the game. Shortly after, Annika Stephainski tried her luck at the near post, but otherwise, Germany struggled offensively. In the 14th minute, Bach made a strong save against Umeka Odaira, and then the German defense just managed to stop the puck before it crossed the goal line. Just before the intermission, Germany finally broke through on offense: Isabell Manns missed with a backhand shot, but Charleen Poindl was perfectly positioned to pounce on the rebound and tie the game (20th minute).
Japan came out strong in the second period, with captain Kika Terauchi testing Bach with the first shot (21st minute). However, the German U18 women's national team, coached by Sebastian Jones, gradually gained control and found their rhythm. In the 29th minute, Alexandra Boico almost capitalized on this, but the forward missed a chance to take the lead from close range. The game then picked up pace again. Bach thwarted a breakaway by Momona Fukuzawa, while at the other end, Isabell Manns' shot stopped just in front of the goal line (31st/32nd minutes). The German U18 women kept up the pressure and finally got their reward in the 37th minute. After a shot from the side, the puck was behind Japan's goaltender Kotoha Suzuki, and Theresa Zielinski pounced on the rebound to give Germany a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.
Germany carried their lead into the final period, and Anabel Seyrer created the first dangerous scoring chance with a backhand shot (43rd minute). The German defense was also very alert, allowing very little even when shorthanded. On the contrary, Mathilda Heine launched a counterattack while a player down (47th minute). In the 48th minute, Bach made a crucial save against a long-range shot from Terauchi. Japan became more offensive towards the end, but the German women repeatedly relieved the pressure. Germany defended relentlessly and ultimately celebrated the victory.
As the best DEB-Player Tara Bach was honored.
#GERJPN: Vote and statistics
U18 women’s national coach Sebastian Jones: "Japan started the game with a lot of pressure and pace, just as we expected – we needed some time to find our rhythm. After conceding an early goal, the team responded well and turned the momentum around with strong penalty killing. From the second period onward, we were more aggressive in the forecheck, applied a lot of pressure, and earned the lead. We also played with defensive discipline in the final period and allowed only a few clear scoring chances. The team played with great energy and passion and deserved the victory. Now, our full focus is on recovery and preparing for the game against Norway."
Official statistics for the game: https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2026/ww18ia/gamecenter/playbyplay/70938/11-ger-vs-jpn