Tough luck! Austria lose narrowly 1:2 to the Nether­lands at the World Cham­pi­onship

Austria once again started with Selma Luggin in goal and, following two wins in their opening two games, went into their first key World Championship fixture against the Netherlands at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in front of 2.730 fans full of energy. 

After just 44 seconds, Austria had the first power play but were unable to make their numerical advantage count. There were few chances or shots in the opening ten minutes, with both teams intent on bringing the match under control. 

On the next power play, Austria's skaters were able to rely on Selma Luggin in goal after an error in the build-up play, as she made a fine save following a breakaway by Esther de Jong. Austria soon had another player advantage but remained without a goal in their third attempt. 

The ÖEHV side were superior in terms of play and skating, with Oranje able to help themselves only through fouls. Austria were unable to convert any of their five power plays into the lead in the first period, despite running up a 10:2 shot count, but Netherlands goaltender Eline Gabriele did not concede.

At the start of the second period, Austria increased the pressure once again and entered the offensive zone aggressively. The Netherlands held firm and, together with goaltender Eline Gabriele, kept a clean sheet. 

The match became a test of patience for the Austrians minute by minute. Out of nowhere, Head Coach Alexander Bröms' team found themselves behind: following an error in the neutral zone, Savine Wielenga picked up the puck and went one-on-one with Selma Luggin, who was still able to save the first shot, but Austria's goaltender had no chance with the rebound. 

The Netherlands led 1:0 completely against the run of play (28.). Selma Luggin was beaten for the first time at this World Championship after exactly 147 minutes and 23 seconds. The game became even more intense afterwards, with Austria now required to attack, but they remained unsuccessful on their sixth power play. 

Austria equalised before the end of the second period: Anna Meixner set up Charlotte Wittich perfectly, with the advancing defender scoring from a tight angle to make it 1:1 (36.). Shortly afterwards, Wittich even had the chance to put Austria ahead on a quick shorthanded counter-attack.

In the final period, the Dutch initially showed aggressive forechecking, and Austria had problems building play in the opening minutes.

Late winner for the Netherlands

Driven by captain Anna Meixner, the ÖEHV side tried to bring the match back under control. The Dutch now played far more disciplined hockey than in the first period. Shift by shift, the game became more exciting and had long since taken on a play-off character. The Netherlands took a late 2:1 lead on the power play, with Bieke van Nes deflecting a shot in front of goal (56.). 

Austria now had to open up in search of an equaliser. In the end, Head Coach Alexander Bröms pulled goaltender Selma Luggin, but the equaliser did not come. Austria lost 1:2 to the Netherlands and with it top spot in the standings. Goalscorer Charlotte Wittich was named Austria's player of the game.

Forward Marja Linzbichler commented after the first World Championship defeat in China: "This match was decided by how we were on the day. We did not go into the game with the same start as before, we did not go into it with the same speed. At the beginning, we adapted a little to the tempo of the Dutch and their style of play, and we did not play the way we can play. We have to go into every game with the same mentality, with more aggression. Today, we simply did not implement our plan from the first two games: go full throttle, get shots on goal. If we play smartly against China and Slovakia, if we get back to our game, our chances of promotion are still good and then we will achieve promotion too!"

Hosts China await on Thursday

Austria are back in action as early as Thursday, when they face hosts China at 14:00. The game against China will be broadcast live on ORF SPORT + as will the final game against Slovakia on Saturday from 07:00.

2023 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship Division IA

20 August 2023 - 26 August 2023, Shenzhen (CHN)

Netherlands vs. Austria 2:1 (0:0,1:1,1:0)
Wed, 23 August 2023, 10:30 (16:30 local time)
Netherlands goalscorers: Savine Wielenga (28'), Bieke van Nes (56'/PP1)
Austria goalscorer: Charlotte Wittich (36') 

Current standings

Remaining schedule:

The date and time refer to our local time zone; the local time is shown in brackets.

Austria vs. China
Thu, 24 August 2023, 14:00 (20:00)
Live on ORF SPORT +

Slovakia vs. Austria
Sat, 26 August 2023, 07:00 (13:00)
Live on ORF SPORT +

Already played:

Denmark vs. Austria 0:1 (0:0,0:1,0:0)
Mon, 21 August 2023, 07:00 (13:00 local time)
Austria goalscorer: Anna Meixner (22')

Austria vs. Norway 4:0 (2:0,2:0,0:0)
Sun, 20 August 2023, 10:30 (16:30 local time), Shenzhen
Austria goalscorers: Tamara Grascher (8'/PP1, 20'), Anna Meixner (32', 40'/PP1)