Germany secured second place in their group at the women’s world ice hockey championship in Denmark on Tuesday by defeating Switzerland 3:1 in Esbjerg.
The victory brought the German team’s group stage record to three wins and one loss, with their only defeat coming against the Olympic champions from the United States, according to Augsburger Allgemeine.
Bundestrainer Jeff MacLeod guided his squad to a strong finish in the preliminary round, earning a more favorable position for the upcoming knockout stages. The team already had qualification for the top-eight quarterfinals secured before stepping onto the ice against the Swiss side.
Switzerland struck first when Alessia Baechler scored in the ninth minute, sending a shot underneath the crossbar to beat German goaltender Sandra Abstreiter, Augsburger Allgemeine reported. Just a minute later, Abstreiter caught a break when Ivana Wey hit the goalpost.
Germany turned the match around in the middle frame through goals from two players competing in the North American Professional Women’s Hockey League. Laura Kluge tied the score with a deserved equalizer, before defenseman Katarina Jobst-Smith scored her third goal of the tournament 55 seconds later to make it 2:1, as noted by Augsburger Allgemeine.
The German squad maintained control into the final period and capitalized early. Emily Nix, who plays for Frölunda HC in Sweden, extended the lead to 3:1 in the 43rd minute.
MacLeod’s team successfully killed off a two-player disadvantage later in the game to preserve the victory.
Germany advances to face Finland in the quarterfinals on Friday. The national team finished the group stage behind the United States in Group A.
The tournament in Denmark continues with the single-elimination playoff rounds concluding later in the week.
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