Olympics: qual­i­fying group complete

Since Sunday, Austria's women's national ice hockey team has known its final opponent in qualification for the Olympic Games. Italy came through qualifying round 2 and complete Austria's group. In Füssen (GER), the home side will face hosts Germany, Denmark and Italy from 11 to 14 November.

Image note: Anja Trummer - Copyright: GEPA pictures/Philipp Brem

Austria, Germany and Denmark were seeded directly into the third and final qualifying round for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. Last weekend, Italy came through the 2nd round convincingly with three wins from three games and are therefore confirmed as Austria's final group opponents.

The Italians recorded a 4:1 win over Spain, a 7:0 victory against the Republic of China (Taiwan), and recovered from a 0:1 deficit in the final period to beat Kazakhstan 2:1. This was also the decisive game for top spot in the group.

Kazakhstan suffered an unexpected defeat to Spain and were therefore under pressure. The Kazakhs needed to beat Italy in regulation time and took an early 1:0 lead, but after conceding the equaliser had to take full risks and conceded another goal.

Italy therefore take the final place in Group D.

Martin Kogler, General Manager: “Italy were to be expected. The Italians are a combative team that always gives 100 per cent and draws a great deal from emotion.”

Germany go into the final Olympic qualifying phase as clear favourites. The German women were only knocked out in the quarter-finals at the last A-WM and enjoy home advantage in Füssen.

Austria only recently lost to Italy, 3 October, 0:3. The day before, on 2 October, they played another warm-up match against Kazakhstan, which they won 3:1. A number of established players and all overseas-based players were absent from both matches. Martin Kogler: "When we are at full strength, we are slight favourites against Italy."

11 - 14 November, Füssen (GER)

Schedule

Germany vs. Austria
Thu, 11 November 2021, 17:15

Denmark vs. Austria
Sat, 13 November 2021, 15:30

Austria vs. Italy
Sun, 14 November 2021, 15:30