U18 team show their teeth against Slovakia

One win and three defeats was the record from the four games. Austria went into the matches against Slovakia as underdogs, but showed their teeth. Having narrowly lost 2:3 in St. Pölten on 29 December, they prevailed 2:1 after overtime the following day.

After New Year, Head Coach Jozef Hosmaj's team gathered in Radenthein for another training camp and a pair of friendlies against Slovakia. Once again, they proved to be evenly matched with their neighbours. They fired 18 shots at the Slovak goal, but the puck would not cross the line.

Ema Thotova was on target at the other end. It was the only one of 25 shots in total that goalkeeper Magdalena Luggin had no chance of stopping. It proved to be the decisive goal on Friday evening, as Slovakia recorded their second win in the third friendly.

Less than 17 hours later, the two teams faced each other again. This time, Slovakia enjoyed a little more of the play and led 2:0 after the first period. It was not until shortly before the end of the second period, with the score at 0:3, that Verena Haselsteiner scored Austria's first goal. Slovakia also won the third period 2:1 and ultimately prevailed 5:2.

Despite the three defeats,General Manager Martin Koglerwas satisfied: “It was important for the team that we were able to put together a replacement programme after the World Championship was cancelled. The players were able to develop further in these four matches at a top level. The coaching staff, in turn, had the opportunity to identify the weaknesses in the team. One of them was converting chances. That is something we need to work on. All in all, the team can look back on this series of friendlies with their heads held high.”

In addition, they have not completely given up on the World Championship. Initial discussions about staging the tournament in the summer are already under way. “It is important for this age group, for Radenthein and for the entire organising team, which has already invested countless hours in the World Championship,” asMartin Kogleremphasises.

Austria vs. Slovakia 0:1
Friday, 7 January 2022, 18:30, Radenthein
Live score

Austria vs. Slovakia 2:5
Saturday, 8 January 2022, 11:00, Radenthein
Live score