Nothing is inconceivable. Who would have thought that Austria’s nationwide ice hockey group would have already got seven factors of their account earlier than the ultimate World Cup group sport in opposition to Nice Britain on Tuesday (12.20 p.m., ORF 1) in Prague? After the sobering 5-1 defeat in opposition to Denmark, most likely nobody.
However now out of the blue extra is going on. The primary stage purpose, staying within the league, was achieved in a assured method with a 4-1 win over Norway. But it surely should not keep that method: the enjoyment of what has been achieved is big, so the main target isn’t misplaced.
It is clear as day: Roger Bader’s protégés now need to obtain a double-digit end result (10 factors) and, with Swiss assist, even attain the quarter-finals in opposition to Finland, which, by the best way, would happen on Thursday (8:20 p.m.). Then most likely in opposition to Sweden in Ostrau. However that is all nonetheless a factor of the longer term.
Step-by-step is the motto. “The entire event might be very constructive, other than the primary sport. Now we have lots of self-confidence,” mentioned defender Dominique Heinrich: “It is good while you play an important World Cup and may dream. Let’s have a look at what occurs. We’ll get pleasure from staying within the league for as soon as.”
Goalie David Kickert, who put in a superb efficiency in his one centesimal worldwide match, seems like he is in a trance: “I can hardly clarify it, but it surely’s going properly. We all know that we will not play like we do within the league – it is all easy “We have realized over the course of the World Cup. We have all the time improved following the Denmark match,” mentioned the previous Black Wings participant. “Britain is not going to be a worry sport, there’s nonetheless rather a lot at stake for us.”
Abroad export Thimo Nickl feels proper at residence within the nationwide group: “We went in with the appropriate mentality. Now we’re taking part in for the quarter-finals, every little thing isn’t in our palms. We attempt to management what we will management,” emphasised the Defender.
Benjamin Baumgartner sees it equally: “I am so completely satisfied proper now. Lately it is all the time been a curler coaster trip within the final event sport to see if we keep up. We did not let that occur this time. We gave one another good encouragement, motivated ourselves, ourselves “We took the stress off. We fought for each puck,” mentioned the Switzerland striker: “Now it is regarding one thing, we will play a bit relaxed. We positively need to win in opposition to Nice Britain.”
Dominic Zwerger, the scorer of the 2-0 win in opposition to Norway, had enthusiasm written throughout his face: “Unimaginable, filled with feelings. What a win, what a group! I am very completely satisfied to be a part of this group,” mentioned Ambri -Legionnaire: “Perhaps our neighbors from Switzerland will assist us now. Now we have to do our job first.” The morale within the group is nice, as evidenced by the response following the false begin to the event: “We knew that the efficiency in opposition to Denmark was unacceptable. Then we sat down and set an instance,” defined Zwerger.
Peter Schneider was the Man of the Match in opposition to the Scandinavians with two direct hits and an help. It is clear that the aid was nice: “Our goalkeepers had been distinctive, they usually saved our asses. I am overjoyed that we’re staying on the high for the third 12 months in a row,” mentioned the reigning champions within the service of Pink Bull Salzburg. Like coach Roger Bader, Schneider was enthusiastic concerning the ambiance within the O2 Enviornment. 16,500 followers turned up. “It is loopy, so many Austria followers. It is nice to see that we have prompted such euphoria within the nation. That is nice for our sport.”
What does relegation imply? “It is an important honor to be among the many greatest 16 groups on the planet. But it surely’s not over but,” mentioned Schneider.
Group boss Roger Bader additionally expects a worthy conclusion to the event: “The energy of Austria is the collective. I used this Triple A as a motto, it is a seal of high quality, it is one thing particular,” defined the Swiss: “I all the time seemed on the ball “It would not have been sensible to brag. Internally we mentioned that Triple A might imply one thing else. For instance, we’ve two, we wish the third.”
And if Nice Britain are crushed, you’ll be able to truly sit up for the quarter-finals. “We cannot win on one leg in opposition to the British. But when it occurs, we’d have ten factors following which we’ll see what the Swiss do in opposition to Finland. The Swiss positively need to win the group.” The Swiss dwell in the identical lodge because the Austrians, they usually obtain lots of reward throughout the board.
Can we rejoice now? “They need to savor it, they need to be completely satisfied, possibly even drink a beer. However the two magic phrases are: restoration and refocus,” emphasised Bader: “Now we will To dream a bit. To ensure that goals to return true, we’ve to do our homework and win following 60 minutes. It is not that simple.”
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Alexander Zambarloukos
Sports activities editor
Alexander Zambarloukos
