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Ice hockey: That speaks for the first World Cup medal in 70 years

Ice hockey: That speaks for the first World Cup medal in 70 years

Germany last won a medal at an ice hockey world championship in 1953. At that time, the DEB selection became vice world champion with only four participants. Now it could be something again.

Germany’s national ice hockey team is back in the World Cup semi-finals after 2010 and 2021. Both times, Germany finished fourth in the World Cup. It’s supposed to be the first medal in 70 years, and the players even want the title. First (5.20 p.m. / Sport1 and MagentaSport) against the USA. These reasons now speak for a World Cup medal:

The team spirit

The unity of the team has been striking so far. The best example of this was the game misconduct penalty against NHL top defender Moritz Seider in the second third of the 3-1 quarter-final win against Switzerland. The team then came together even more, fighting for every inch and blocking shots en masse. “That’s what sets us apart. The fact that we always want to find that one gear higher, that we want to take that extra step,” said Seider before the semifinals.

The development in the tournament

The best game so far in the tournament was played just in time for the start of the knockout round. The German team increased steadily. Initially, weaker performances by individual players were absorbed by the collective. In the quarter-finals, however, it was a top game from everyone.

Self confidence

“We’re going into the game with a lot of vigor and want to get something this time,” said captain Moritz Müller ahead of the semi-final against favorites USA. The tournament so far has boosted our self-confidence immensely. The perception of the other teams has also changed. “Because we are respected. You can see it with everyone, you don’t really know if they want to play against us because they just know how we perform,” said ex-NHL player Dominik Kahun.

The key players

Germany’s top scorer John-Jason Peterka from the Buffalo Sabers received a lesson from national coach Harold Kreis in the preliminary round and has been playing in top form ever since. The 21-year-old has a good chance of becoming the tournament’s most successful striker. The outstanding player in the German team so far is Nico Sturm from the San Jose Sharks. The Stanley Cup winner has already scored six goals. Above all, he convinces with his complete game. No distance is too far for him, no check too hard: the 28-year-old rose to team leader with his hard work at his first World Cup participation. Goalkeeper Mathias Niederberger always shows his best performances in the very important games, as he did against Switzerland.

The national coach

Harold Kreis has been convincing at his first World Cup as national coach with his matter-of-fact and calm manner. Everything the 64-year-old does makes sense. The players trust him. “Harry is characterized by his very calm manner. He’s incredibly good at motivating and he knows exactly what to say when and how,” said Seider.

Source: Stern

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