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Austria vs USA

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Austria – USA 1 - 2 (0-0,1-0,0-2)

With regards to the performance so far in the tournament, this game might be the decisive one to decide whether the USA or Austria will move into the bronze medal game.

Both teams were well aware of their situation and started very concentrated and cautiously into the game, waiting for the opponent to make mistakes. As there were not many and as the penalty killing was good on both sides too, the game rested scoreless until the end of the first period.

The game didn't much change in the second period. The USA seemed to come out somewhat stronger off the locker room but not decisively so. Again both teams killed their penalties in a good and even game. The goalkeepers Lorenz Hirn and Ryan Nauman plaid outstanding and didn't allow any scoring until the 13 minute when Kevin Essmann brought Austria 1 to 0 ahead while both teams were one man short.

At the beginning of the third period - after killing the remaining seconds of a penalty - the USA pressed hard for the equalizer. Suddenly the ball was lying free in the Austrian slot; Rob Roth reacted first and tied the game for the Americans; the assists were given to Joe Trapani and Andrew Mucerino. With this moral boost in the back, the USA tried to force the game in the Austrian zone, but Austria was able to resist. A penalty against the home team gave the North Americans the possibility to take the lead, but Ryan Crossbey only hit the post. The next powerplay possibility followed almost immediately. This time it worked out better for the USA, Roth mad his second goal (assisted by Mucerino and Eric Zimmermann) with a shot from the blue line with a little bit less than four minutes on the clock.

With a little bit more than 2 minutes on the clock Austria could play in powerplay and they pressed hard on the US-net. The Europeans pulled the goalie and created several great scoring opportunities but didn’t score. The USA was the winner in a tight game that would have merited two winners.

Team Austria will now most likely play on Saturday against Germany for the fifth place. The USA has still the possibility to reach the final, but needs points against Czech Republic and Canada.

President's note

George Gortsos
ISBHF president

This past weekend I had the honour of becoming the third President of the ISBHF. I believe that as a player and coach I have always strived to play ball hockey in a skilled and team way. Now I have a chance to work with all the great leaders of our sport throughout the World who love the game like we all do. I met some great people in Paris. And I would like to thank the representatives of all our member nations who voted me in on behalf of ball hockey players around the World. This is an honour I will handle with the honesty and hard work that made me a successful player and coach. I want to share the main keys that I will strive to work with my fellow board members to make this game better around the World.
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