0:1 against the eleven-time world champion – a defeat gives Austria courage
The ice hockey team performed well in front of 3,500 fans in Vienna. Women win after extra time.
It has been 75 years since Austria’s national team won a match against Sweden. The senior team won 2-1 at the 1947 World Cup and took third place in Prague.
Most recently, duels with the eleven-time world champion were more under the motto “teaching game”. In contrast to the 1: 9 at the 2019 World Cup, the test match on Thursday in front of 3,500 spectators in Vienna’s Steffl Arena was balanced for a long time. In the first third, the Austrian was unlucky with a pole shot (8th) due to Zwerger in the power play.
The Swedes competed with players from the Swedish SHL, the Swiss league and the Russian KHL – probably the three best leagues outside of North America. NHL pros won’t come until the World Cup.
After the first break, the Swedes came into play much better and constricted the Austrians. Goalie Starkbaum had to save several times. Only when Karlsson (46./PP) shot was he powerless. Nevertheless, the Austrians made an expected impression throughout the game.
On Friday we go to Ostrava, where we will test against Olympic champions Finland on Saturday and against the Czech Republic on Sunday as part of the Euro Hockey Challenge. On May 14th, Austria started in Tampere against Sweden at the World Cup.
Few chances despite success
Despite the third win, Austria’s women’s team only has a small chance of historic promotion to the A World Cup. In the title fights in Division I (Group A) in Angers on Thursday, Jari Risku’s team had to go into overtime for the third time against hosts France 3-2 and lost another point. Anna Meixner (21st) outnumbered and Theresa Schafzahl (24th, 61st) scored for the ÖEHV selection.
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