Austria open World Championship with 2:1 win over France
A perfect start for Austria's U18 women's national team at the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Women´s World Championship Division IA in Italy. Goals from Isabel Friess (at the 19-minute mark) and Anna Billa (at the 47-minute mark) secured a 2:1 victory over France and the first three points of the tournament. They are back in action against hosts Italy on Sunday afternoon at 16:00.
2 min read
“We have taken a huge step into the tournament. We could not have wished for a better start,” beamed Head Coach Mario Bellina after the final whistle. In a match that was physical at times, Austria stood out through a cohesive team performance. Karla Kronberger was also in top form in goal, keeping her team from conceding with several big saves.
Austria consistently stuck to the game plan, repeatedly trying to get the puck in front of goal to create chances. At the 19-minute mark, Isabel Friess gave them a deserved lead after work from Hanna Danninger and Valentina Prosen.
The middle period was extremely open, with the French enjoying one or two advantages. However, Karla Kronberger kept the French at 0 for her team, and Anna Billa’s goal to make it 2:0 in the final period brought additional composure to Austria’s game.
But that calm did not last 60 seconds. At the 48-minute mark, Kronberger was beaten for the first time as France pulled back to 1:2. Les Bleus threw everything onto the ice once more. Both teams had to see out another penalty in the closing stages, but Austria saw out the result and claimed their first three points of the tournament.
Head Coach Mario Bellina: “That was a superb fight from the girls. They implemented everything we had trained and discussed beforehand. This victory is deserved, even if the 2:0 was somewhat fortunate. Karla Kronberger also played a superb game and kept us in the match several times. There are still little things we need to discuss ahead of the game against Italy. But overall, it was a strong team performance. The players followed the instructions diligently. You could see the relief on everyone's faces after the game.”
2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Divison IA
06 January 2024 - 12 January 2024, Neumarkt/Egna (ITA)
Participants: Japan, Italy, France, Hungary, Austria, Denmark
Austria vs. France 2:1 (1:0, 0:0, 1:1)
Sat, 06 January 2024, 12:30
Austria goalscorers: Isabel Friess (at the 19-minute mark), Anna Billa (at the 47-minute mark)
France goalscorer: Armelle Chabert (at the 48-minute mark)
Italy vs. Austria
Sun, 07 January 2024, 16:00
Japan vs. Austria
Tue, 09 January 2024, 16:00
Hungary vs. Austria
Wed, 10 January 2024, 12:30
Austria vs. Denmark
Fri, 12 January 2024, 12:30
Standings
