Lebler’s hattrick gives Austria first win in Bratislava
In the last game of Olympic Qualification Tournament, Austria earns first points by beating a dull Poland
Austria and Poland close their journey in the
Olympic qualifiers by playing without pressure: both teams are already without
the possibility of qualification.
It was a pleasant game, with different chances
on both sides. Austria took the lead after 4 minutes with Manuel Ganahl
finishing a fine assist from Peter Schneider. After a good chance for
Baumgartner, a big mistake by the Austrian defense allowed Marcin Kolusz to
serve Macej Urbanowicz alone in front of goalkeeper Kickert beating him easily.
After the goal Poland played better and hit the post with Grzegorz Pasiut. But
just before the siren the Polish defense is not very reactive and gives Brian
Lebler the chance to prepare and execute a shot without chance for Murray
In a second calmer period, Lebler's third
Austrian goal arrives five minutes from the siren, with a powerful diagonal
shot. Polish goalie Murray then saved his team from the 4 goal with a nice save
on a one-timer deflection by Raphael Herburger.
In the last period, Austria scored the fourth
goals, again with Lebler even if the credit is mainly due to Dominic Zwerger,
who was able to steal a puck in the Polish defense. After the goal, Peter
Schneider receives a severe blow, remaining on the ice for a few minutes, then
getting up without consequences
After the good victory against Belarus, Poland was
unable to repeat the performance, playing badly with both Slovakia and today
with Austria, leaving the tournament with only 3 points. Same fate for Austria,
which collapsed after a good period against the Belarusians, leaving 3 points
that could have been decisive today. Bryan Lebler's tournament was very good, ending
with 5 goals in three games.