Lithuania surprises Netherlands, Korea takes the lead

The IIHF World Championship Division IB opens today in Eindhoven with three games.

Great Britain - Croatia 3-2 ot

Great Britian earns first point with a comeback against Croatia with Mark Richardson as hero-of-the-day: Cardiff Devils defender scored tie goal with 5 seconds to go and the decisive one after 11 seconds in overtime after the Croatian double advantage, signed by North-American born Mike Glumac and Nathan Perkovich. 

"I never stopped believing and neither did they. I am so proud of them right now. I asked for passion, I asked for work ethic and I got that this afternoon. They were fantastic and fully deserve this victory right now." said Great Britain coach Peter Russell after the game

Estonia - South Korea 3-7

Korea begins its journey to come back in Division Ia facing the newly promoted Estonia and confirming the role of favorite. Newly naturalized Mike Owen Swift and Mike Testwuide have two goals each, captain Woo Sang Park served two assists. The bad news comes from infirmary: forward Jin Hui Ahn, checked into the boards by Kevin Parras had to leave the ice and probably his tournament ends today

The Netherlands - Lithuania 0-1

The worst start possible for home side: a solitary goal scored by Arnoldas Bosas with a lucky deflection, validated with the video review, after 11 seconds and a great performance by goalie Mantas Armalis gives Lithuania three very important points to begin the tournament. A big disappointment for the almost sold-out Eindhoven Arena. Bosas hits the crossbar and Lithuania has a double power play not converted in goal to legitimate the victory, Netherlands can claim for a goal by Peter van Biezen disallowed by referee and a great third period when home team produced a superb effort to equalize the game

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