National ice hockey team loses first World Cup test

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In Visp, preparations for the World Championships in Tampere and Riga begin with an unnecessary defeat for the Swiss national ice hockey team. Despite an increase in chances, Patrick Fischer’s team lost 0:2. After more than two thirds of the Swiss it is 0-0, then the initial phase of the final part develops into a small horror show. An annoying puck loss behind the own goal gives the previously harmless Slovaks the lead out of the blue. 49 seconds later they make it 2-0 with a deflected shot.

The Swiss are not rewarded for a dedicated performance in front of more than 2000 spectators, but are severely punished for the small mistakes. The shooting ratio was 27:8 after 40 minutes, but the strong young Slovak goalkeeper Samuel Hlavaj destroyed all chances. Even after the 0-2, Patrick Fischer’s players pushed for the goal, especially through the indestructible old man Andres Ambühl.

Newbies engage in self-promotion

Such a first World Cup preparatory game is not much, both teams travel to the World Cup in Latvia and Finland with a strongly reinforced team. The Swiss miss all the semi-finalists of the playoffs and the North American mercenaries. However, some players, such as Dario Meyer from Kloten or Thierry Bader from Bern, were able to advertise with dedicated performances. Ambri-Piotta’s international debutant Johnny Kneubühler is also close to scoring the first goal when he hits the post in the 19th minute on the power play.

The Slovaks, Switzerland’s most frequent friendly opponent in recent years, were the expected solid opponents. With a healthy hardness, they also ensure that there is no final vote. Goalkeeper Gilles Senn had an unfortunate evening: hardly anything to do, but two goals. The Swiss will have the chance to take revenge in Pruntrut on Saturday. (SDA)

Source : Blick