It was official at 6:32 p.m. Austria’s nationwide ice hockey group, which performed so courageously and refreshingly on the World Cup in Prague, managed to remain within the league for the third time in a row earlier than the ultimate group match in opposition to Nice Britain on Tuesday (12.20 p.m., ORF 1), thus finishing the Triple A mission in a powerful method Method fulfilled. Roger Bader’s protégés retained the higher hand in opposition to Norway 4:1 (0:0, 3:0, 1:1). Seven factors weren’t anticipated earlier than the beginning of the event. On paper there may be now even an opportunity of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. However that also requires a win and assist from the Swiss, who must beat the Finns. Not an impossibility.
The backdrop within the O2 Area was additionally breathtaking on Whit Sunday – with clear benefits for Austria. Round 1,000 battle hunters discovered their option to the Czech capital and performed their half in guaranteeing that these title fights are heading in direction of a file variety of spectators. 500,000 guests have been already counted earlier than the Saturday night matches, and the passion right here is aware of no bounds.
“It is actually cool to play right here. The environment is nice,” stated striker Manuel Ganahl, who led the red-white-red group onto the ice as captain. The rationale: Thomas Raffl is affected by a once more damage and needed to miss the Norway match. The sport was additionally particular for goalie David Kickert. The previous Black Wings participant accomplished his a hundredth look within the group jersey. He left a really assured impression.
Austria was robust within the showdown with the Norwegians, who had received the final 4 World Cup duels. So one might already converse of a fearful opponent. However the good video games in opposition to Switzerland (5:6), Canada (6:7 n.V.), Finland (3:2) and, for lengthy stretches, the Czech Republic (0:4) gave us the self-confidence that’s wanted to harass the Scandinavians. Raffl replacements Lucas Thaler (third) and Benjamin Nissner (eleventh) had the lead in entrance of the bat, however the first break went goalless. That was ample, however not but top-class.
Issues ought to get higher. The third red-white-red energy play was the prey of Salzburg purpose scorer Peter Schneider, who nailed the puck unstoppably into the left nook at 146.6 km/h. It was the necessary 1-0 following 28:14 minutes. However that is not sufficient. Austria achieved the celebrated double blow. Solely 40 seconds later, Ambri legionnaire Dominic Zwerger was there, his combination of cross and shot in entrance of the purpose discovered its means into the online by way of an opposing stick – 2-0 (twenty ninth).
NHL ace Marco Rossi had his stick in play for each targets. The third one too, by the way in which. The Minnesota Wild heart served Schneider once more, who appears to be understanding every little thing in the mean time. After skilfully controlling the disc, the 33-year-old took the shot once more with a 6:5 benefit (a penalty was indicated) and chased the puck into the online – 3:0 (thirty fourth). Wow! It was Schneider’s fourth purpose at this World Cup.
Austria had every little thing underneath management and in addition the required luck to outlive a 3:5 defeat (for 56 seconds). If it really works, it really works. Mario Huber nearly made it 4-0 within the 1-0 (forty first minute), Norway did not have the standard that day and maybe – as a result of tense relationship with the highest of the affiliation – not the chew to carry in opposition to this. Steven Sturdy solely hit the purpose submit (49′).
Late, however an indication of life got here from the Scandinavians: Sander Engebraten diminished the rating to 1:3 (54′). Within the end, Norway risked every little thing, with 2:56 minutes left, the goalkeeper gave up his spot for a area participant. With out success. Mario Huber scored into the empty purpose – 4:1 (58th). All carried out.
By the way in which: The A-WM 2025 will happen from Might ninth to twenty fifth in Stockholm (Sweden) and Herning (Denmark). Austria is there.
Writer
Alexander Zambarloukos
Sports activities editor
Alexander Zambarloukos
