Ice Hockey - Women

Austria defeats Hungary 3:2 at home World Championships

Anna Meixner

(Bild: GEPA)

Austria's ice hockey women have celebrated their second victory at the home World Championships in Klagenfurt!

Alexander Bröms' team beat Hungary 3:2 (2:2, 0:0, 0:0) on Friday in front of 2279 fans after a penalty shoot-out, overturning an early 0:2 deficit within 25 seconds in the first period. Promotion was no longer possible even before the game. The final game will be against the Netherlands on Saturday (20:25).

The Hungarians put the Austrians under pressure in the opening period and were already 2:0 ahead after seven minutes. In the first power play, Mira Seregely deflected a shot beyond the reach of 18-year-old goalkeeper Magdalena Luggin (3rd) and Bernadett Nemeth followed suit (7th). In the final minute of the opening period, the red-white-red team fought back with a double strike. Defender Annika Fazokas scored her fourth goal of the tournament to tie the game, and 25 seconds later Lena Artner equalized.

Luggin was the winner four times in the penalty shoot-out
With their new-found confidence, the Austrians then played an even match against the team relegated from the A World Championship. In the final third, the Hungarians became more powerful and dangerous again. Luggin kept her team in the game with three strong saves, at the other end Theresa Schafzahl was just a few centimetres off target and in extra time Tamara Grascher hit the crossbar. Luggin scored four times in the penalty shoot-out, with Anja Trummer and captain Anna Meixner scoring for Austria.

Norway are on the verge of promotion after a 1-0 win on penalties against the Netherlands. The Scandinavians can secure their place in the A World Cup for the top ten teams with a win over South Korea, who have already been relegated. France and Hungary will play out the second promotion place in a direct duel.