Following the sensational comeback against Canada and the narrow 6-7 overtime loss, Head Coach Roger Bader's men were granted a day off on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday bring the next contenders for medals, Finland and World Championship host Czechia, against Team Austria. ORF SPORT + will broadcast both matches live.
"Incredible. We knew we were a very good team. We just didn't give up. The momentum was on our side. All the emotions, the arena, it was all incredible. We will not forget this game for a very long time. We can be very proud of ourselves. We have made history. It shows the kind of morale we have in the team," NHL star Marco Rossi expressed his emotions freely after the historic result and point gain against Canada.
"Insane. I believe after the 1-6, nobody in this world believed in us anymore. Not even our own families, I think. We showed the whole world what is possible," added Dominic Zwerger, who was awarded Best Player. Amidst all the euphoria, the focus quickly shifted to the upcoming challenges, as Dominic Zwerger said: "Never too high, never too low. We were not too low after the loss against Denmark and not too high after the good game against Switzerland, and we won't be now either."
The players were granted a day off on Wednesday to recharge their batteries, a break much needed, as emphasized by Peter Schneider: "Very important. A World Championship is an enormous exertion. We have to give our all in every match to have a chance. The few free days are very important for the body to recover and also to get away from the game mentally."
Only the goalkeepers and players who didn't play against Canada hit the ice. Thursday and Friday bring the next contenders for medals, Finland and Czechia, to Austria.
Head Coach Roger Bader said, "Yesterday, rightfully after the game, we all felt euphoric, and the players and we all were allowed to enjoy it. Today, we have to return to everyday life. We are far from reaching our goal. With Finland and Czechia, we face two opponents who are contenders for the title. Finland became world champions in 2019 and 2022, and also Olympic champions in 2022. They are defensively very well organized, give away nothing, and every scoring chance must be fought for very hard. It will be a very challenging game for us. Throughout the entire World Championship preparation, we have talked about how we can only be successful at this level if we switch quickly. This includes shooting quickly. That is the way in every game. With good defensive play, with good pressing to win the puck, switch quickly, shoot, and wait for the next chance."
Austria has already faced Finland in the past two years at the World Championship in Tampere (FIN), losing both times after good performances, 0-3 and 1-3 respectively. They have met 17 times in history. In 1981 and at the 2000 World Championship, Austria managed to secure draws against the four-time world champion. Finland has won the rest of the matches.
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