Blue Team against Germany facing the first Herculean task

The Germans are going into the World Cup with great ambitions. It should be at least the quarter-finals, and the players aren't even ruling out World Cup gold. “We all have huge goals for ourselves,” said top defender Moritz Seider. The role models are the Finns, who surprisingly became world champions in Slovakia in 2019. For the Germans, it was over in the quarter-finals against the Czech Republic two years ago. A year earlier there was a sensational Olympic silver medal in Pyeongchang. Germany's top star Leon Draisaitl will not be taking part in the World Cup in Riga. He's busy in the NHL playoffs, as are his Edmonton teammate Dominik Kahun and world-class goaltender Philipp Grubauer. Exceptional NHL talent Tim Stützle is also not available. Although some experienced DEL players also canceled and ten World Cup debutants are there, Finnish coach Toni Söderholm is convinced of the mix in his team. A key player is Moritz Seider, who is considered a future top NHL defenseman. Also required are two-time Stanley Cup winner Tom Kühnhackl and Tobias Rieder, who is the only NHL regular in the squad. Italy as a clear outsider The Azzurri go into the match against their neighbors as clear outsiders - also because some key players will not be there. Giorgio De Bettin, who will be representing national coach Greg Ireland at the start of the World Cup, did not want to cause any sadness at the final press conference: “An A World Cup is always a challenge for Italy. Of course this seems to be even bigger this year. But I believe that the players are ready despite all the difficulties.” As is well known, there is no relegation at this World Cup because the B World Cup has been canceled and therefore no nation is promoted. Therefore, the young Italian team can gain valuable experience with a view to the home Olympics in 2026. “Germany has an interesting team – even if some of the top players are not there.” Giorgio De Bettin Regarding the upcoming opponents, De Bettin said: “Germany has an interesting team – even if some of the top players are not there. They are very aggressive and I expect them to apply a lot of pressure. Their strengths are their physicality and their speed.” The Cortina legend has not yet announced who will guard the Italian goal against Germany. “We want to make a good impression as a team.” Daniel frank Daniel Frank was asked at the PK about his new role as captain, among other things: “It is of course a great honor for me and something special. I had the opportunity to play with great captains like Alexander Egger and Anton Bernard and tried to learn a few things. I want to move forward for the young players - especially with my mentality. We want to look good as a team.” Blue Team wants to look forward Regarding the cold start for the Azzurri at the World Cup, the Merano native said: “We are of course missing the two test matches against Austria and Switzerland. Even though the last few weeks haven't been easy from a mental point of view, we still have to go into the game against the Germans with a positive attitude. By the way, this is the 19th World Cup game between Italy and Germany. So far there have been 5 wins, 3 draws and 10 defeats for the Azzurri. The last success dates back to 2001, when the Blue Team won 3-1 in Hanover. The last meeting was at the 2017 World Cup. At that time, Germany, led by superstar Draisaitl, won 4-1. The game on Friday starts at 15.15:XNUMX p.m. SportNews keeps you up to date with a live ticker. Ice Hockey World Cup in Latvia: Friday's games Germany – Italy (15.15 p.m.) Russia – Czech Republic Canada – Latvia (19.15:XNUMX p.m.) Belarus – Slovakia (19.15:XNUMX p.m.)

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Blue Team against Germany facing the first Herculean task

For the severely decimated Blue Team, the Ice Hockey World Championship begins on Friday in Latvia with the game against Germany. The roles are clearly assigned.

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