U18 national team narrowly beaten by Slovenia in Fondo

Although Austria had still been clearly superior in their narrow 3:2 penalty-shootout win over hosts Italy in the opener, their Slovenian counterparts made for an even first period at the Palasmeraldo Fondo. What is more, the Lynx took the lead after almost twelve minutes through Domen Vekjet, who beat ÖEHV netminder Lennox Setzinger, to make it 1:0. Austria’s U18 levelled shortly before the end of the period through Paul Oberhauser (20.).

Austria increased the tempo in the second period and at times hemmed the Slovenians into their defensive zone. Once again, the U18 squandered several gilt-edged chances, lacking composure in front of goal. Their southern neighbours were more efficient and took a 2:1 lead shorthanded through Anže Gradišar following an error in Austria's build-up play. After a brief moment of shock, the ÖEHV selection took command again, with Lukas Zach-Kiesling firing home a one-timer to make it 2:2 shortly after the halfway point of the game (31.). 

In the third period, it was Lukas Zach-Kiesling again who made it 3:2 for Austria in a power play, converting an ideal pass from close range (44.). But Slovenia fought back: Martin Bizjak equalised to make it 3:3, their second shorthanded goal. Slovenia had a power play shortly before the end, and Svit Habjanič scored the 4:3 winner 83 seconds before the final buzzer. 

Head Coach Florian Mühlstein after the game: "We never really got into the game due to individual errors and indecision, nor were we able to impose ourselves on it. We had chances to win the game. Unfortunately, we were always one step slower and indecisive. As a result, we conceded two shorthanded goals on the power play, which is very rare. There will be changes to the line-up on Saturday, but the game was very instructive on the road to the World Championship; we saw what it takes to beat teams like this!" 

Austria's U18 conclude the tournament against Hungary in Fondo on Saturday, starting at 10:00. The game will once again be available via the Krone.at live stream.

Four Nations Tournament Fondo (ITA)

Slovenia vs. Austria 4:3 (1:1,1:1,2:1)

Fri, 08 November 2024, 16:00, Fondo

Austria goalscorers: Paul Oberhauser (20.), Lukas Zach-Kiesling (31., 44./PP1)

Next game:

Austria vs. Hungary
Sat, 09 November 2024, 10:00, Fondo - >> to the Krone.at live stream

Already played:

Italy vs. Austria 2:3 after penalties (0:1,1:0,1:1,0:0,0:1)
Thu, 07 November 2024, 19:00, Fondo
Austria goalscorers: Ben Öfner (14.), Tristan Söllinger (57.), Lukas Zach-Kiesling (65./decisive penalty)