Ice Hockey World Cup
The 87th Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship began with a sense of success for the hosts. The Czech Republic narrowly beat Olympic champions Finland 1-0 in the penalty shootout in Prague’s O2 Arena on Friday, thus taking the first small step towards the quarter-finals. The tournament also started as desired for vice world champions Germany, title candidates Sweden and Switzerland.
10.05.2024 23.25
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The Swiss, the Austrians’ second group opponent on Sunday (8:20 p.m. live on ORF Sport +), also left nothing to be desired in Prague against Norway with a 5-2 win. Austria begins its mission to stay in the league on Saturday (4:20 p.m. live on ORF1) in the O2 Arena against Denmark. In Ostrava, Germany beat Slovakia 6-4, then Sweden beat the USA 5-2 in Group B. Defending champion Canada will take part in the World Cup against newly promoted Great Britain on Sunday at 12.20 p.m.
In Prague, the fans were only able to celebrate a successful start to their home tournament after a long period of trepidation. Because after 60 minutes of regular playing time, as well as after the five-minute extra time, the duel between the former world champions was 0-0. A supposed Czech goal by Ondrej Palag in the second period was disallowed after video study. Ondrej Kase and captain Roman Cervenka scored in the penalty shootout, while the Finns all failed due to goalie Lukas Dostal.
Sweden wins Schlager
In the duel between Group B favorites Sweden and the USA, the Scandinavians showed a higher quality of passing and were more efficient in finishing. With Joel Eriksson Ek (9th, 60th/EN), youngster Lucas Raymond (24th), Marcus Johansson (37th) and Victor Hedman (60th/SH+EN), four NHL legionnaires scored for the “Tre Kronor” -Team. The USA will have the chance to do better on Saturday against Germany.
Shortly before the start of the tournament, the Swiss received reinforcements in the form of NHL star defender Roman Josi from the Nashville Predators. The 33-year-old, who won silver medals at the 2013 and 2018 World Cup, was, as usual, an important stabilizer in defense. Colleague Andres Ambühl played his 132nd World Cup match for the Swiss and thus further extended his own record. The 40-year-old, who is playing in his 19th World Cup this year, provided the assist for Nino Niederreiter’s last goal.
Thierry Bader was not part of the victorious Swiss team. The son of Austria’s team boss Roger Bader was not an active player on the 23-man match report. It has therefore become somewhat less likely that there will be a father-son duel on Sunday when Switzerland meets Austria.
