They fought, did magic, and threw themselves into everything that flew towards the German goal – in the end, the German ice hockey cracks celebrated a historic victory, worthy. (Everything you need to know about the 2021 World Cup)
All 64 games! The Ice Hockey World Championship is live on SPORT1 from May 21 to June 6
After a perfect start to the tournament with two wins in 22 hours, national coach Tony Soderhome’s team defeated 26-time world champions Canada 3: 1 (2: 1, 0: 0, 1: 0) to win their first World Cup in 25 years against Ice Hockey Homeland.
“It’s unusual that we blocked shots, fought and won duels. I’ve never seen a game like this,” cheered goalkeeper Matthias Niederberger, who was instrumental in the victory with 39 (!) Saves. SPORT1: “It’s very gratifying that we can win such a close game against Canada.”
German World Cup plot: “Lion wants heart”
The German team had to work hard for this feeling, however, Niederberger admitted that it was “incredibly tired”.
For example: “Thigh cramps started in the second period,” Cole said. “It’s very hard work. But you try everything. We have the heart of a lion. You saw it today.”
Compared to 9: 4 against Italy and 5: 1 against Norway, the DEB selection again increased significantly, especially in terms of usage, underlining their medal aspirations in Riga.
With another win on Wednesday against the newly promoted Kazakhstan, the Group B leaders could already make it right for the quarterfinals. (Ice Hockey World Cup: Germany – Kazakhstan, live on TV and stream from 3pm on Wednesday)
Mannheim’s Stephen Loip (11th) and Matthias Placha (12th) and their future club teammate Corbinian Holzer (58th) scored in the first two games of the 39th World Cup qualifier against Germany.
Ice Hockey World Cup: Many favorites fail
Nick Paul (19th) scored for World No. 1, who had previously lost to Latvia (0: 2) and the United States (1: 5). In addition to Canadians, favorites Sweden, Finland and Russia have already slipped against the minors.
During the last German World Cup victory over Canada in Vienna in 1996, Lucas Rachel’s father Martin, Leon Trozitlin’s father Peter and goal scorer Dieter Hagen stood on the ice. Good omen: On the way to the exciting Olympic Friday in 2018, the DEB team defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in the semifinals.
“We want to win the game and there’s no question about it,” defender Moritz Cedar said confidently: “The Latvians have shown the way, and now it’s our turn.”
The last fight two years ago led to an 8-1 bankruptcy. However, at the time, there were still many NHL top players, and this time Canada has the youngest World Cup squad.
The Canadians, who scored only their first goal in the 111th minute, started with anger in their stomachs and German goal pressure. However, Kniterberger acted as usual and ruined the chances.
Germany is fighting
However, the goals fell on the other side: two-time Stanley Cup winner Tom Gonhawk was deflected by Lloyd’s leading goal with a 2-0 shot 38 seconds later after strong preparations.
Canada coach Gerard Calland has retired to appoint his team. Just before the first third siren, Paul ran to the ground.
The game was tough now, with the Germans surviving two minutes twice in the second period, less than 3: 5 by a huge fighting effort.
“It’s incredible how everyone throws themselves in the scenes,” Loeb said SPORT1. Nico Kromer also acknowledged: “We took an incredible amount of interest in it. I’m proud to be a part of this team.
The pressure of the Canadians increased again in the further course of the game, but Knitterberger was always the end of the line. Holzer then pushed towards the empty Canadian goal – finally perfecting the historic German World Cup plot.
Everything about the Ice Hockey World Championship
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