After the already sensational point win against the USA, Austria’s national ice hockey team went one better yesterday at the World Championships in Finland. The ÖEHV team sensationally defeated the six-time world champion Czech Republic 2:1 after a penalty shootout (0:1, 0:0, 1:0, 0:0; 1:0) and thus celebrated the first sense of achievement against the Czech Republic in the 20th duel . Peter Schneider converted the decisive penalty in the historic moment of glory after Austria had fought through Brian Lebler to equalize a few seconds before the end. Today (3.20 p.m., live on ORF 1) the pre-decisive game for relegation awaits Norway.
Team boss Roger Bader rested his oldest field player against the Czech Republic, while 35-year-old captain Thomas Raffl was able to save some energy. Since Benjamin Baumgartner is also out for the rest of the tournament after suffering an injury against the USA, Bader made a big change. Nevertheless, the Austrians showed the same virtues as they did against Sweden (1:3) and the USA (2:3 aet) and were rewarded with their first win. The Bader squad worked defensively and didn’t give the favorites, who competed with seven NHL players, too many chances. A goal conceded in the early stages was annulled after a video check due to a goalkeeper’s handicap (8′). In the 18th minute, however, the Czechs struck through Cervenka.
After a goalless middle third, the Austrians fought for the chance of historic success and were rewarded. Bader took Starkbaum off the ice for a sixth field player in the finish, and Lebler poked the disc over the line with exactly 37.6 seconds to go. The hit counted after video verification. The Austrians also survived overtime without any problems. In the decision, Schneider acted tricky in his attempt and was the only one of the ten shooters to convert. It was only the second win against a top six nation in 75 years, following the 3-0 win over the USA on May 6, 2001 at the World Cup in Cologne. “It’s a big day for all of us. But we have to look ahead again, we still have tough tasks ahead of us,” said goalscorer Lebler.
Close the bag today
After three games against medal contenders, Austria sensationally holds three points, which they did not expect, but the fight for staying up in the league is only really beginning now. Today Norway is waiting, a win against the Scandinavians, who have been playing in the A group since 2006, would probably already mean the ticket for the A World Cup in 2023.
As against the Czech Republic, a strong delegation of fans from Upper Austria will be cheering again today. A group of 19 from the Powerplay Enns fan club traveled to Finland yesterday. Apparently they were lucky too.
Source: Nachrichten
