Switzerland wins first game, beats Germany 3:2

Games against Germany are never easy. Switzerland had lost against the neighbor from the north with 0:2 in a preparation game a few weeks ago.

After a nervous start it was the NHL line with Roman Josi, Yannick Weber and Damien Brunner to score the first goal of the afternoon game in the 13th minute when Brunner got the puck passed Goalie Rob Zepp. But less than 2 minutes later it happened again, Thomas Oppenheimer scored on a chance to tie the game. This has haunted the Swiss throughout the whole Tournament where a lead couldn't be retained and had led to 3 losses.

With the start of the second period the Swiss built up pressure, creating chances and with 33 minutes it was young Denis Hollenstein who scored the 2nd goal. 4 minutes later Kevin Romy capitalized on a pass by Brunner and Moser. But once more, the Germans were able to score the 2nd goal just 2 minutes later. Again it was Thomas Oppenheimer on a pass by Sinan Akdag and and Kai Hospelt.

The last period provided some hard work for the Swiss defense as the Germans attacked time after time but Reto Berra between the pipes kept his goal clean. Goalie Zepp was pulled with less than minute to go, the Swiss had a 3 on 2 opportunity but Froidevaux missed the empty goal and on a counter attack the Germans threw all they had at Berra. The puck, shot by Alex Barta hit the crossbar and with the dying seconds of the game Switzerland was able to hold on to the first victory.

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