Ice hockey players end the World Cup with a spectacular defeat against Austria

NOS Sports•today, 11:27 PM

Ice hockey players end the World Cup with a spectacular defeat against Austria: 6-5

The Dutch ice hockey players lost the last group match at the World Cup 6-5 to Austria. The Netherlands closed the world championship with an exciting match against the home country and finished penultimate in the group of six countries.

This World Cup, the Dutch team only defeated the last-placed South Korean women (3-1) and lost to France (5-1), Hungary (2-0) and Norway (after shoot-outs). Austria also lost, although the ice hockey players started strongly.

After just twelve seconds, Kayleigh Hamers cleared the puck with a hard one one-timer – a shot taken in one go – into the top corner (1-0).

In no time, the Austrians came back into the match via Emma Hofbauer and Laura Luftenegger (1-2), until Hamers scored her second of the match. After cleverly withdrawing the puck, she pushed it from close range into the roof of the goal (2-2).

The second period provided just as much spectacle. The Austrian women quickly took a comfortable lead (2-4) through Teresa Schafzahl and Karolina Hengelmüller. And after a nice drag move with which Bieke van Nes made the match exciting again (3-4), Schafzahl soon widened the gap again (3-5).

The hunt for a tying goal was only rewarded four minutes before the end in a power play moment. Julie Zwarthoed tapped in for an open goal (4-5). With twenty seconds left on the clock, the comeback was completed by Jet Milders, who scored the equalizer during a power play situation (six against four in Dutch favor) and forced extra time.

In extra time, in which the game is not played 5-on-5 but 3-on-3, Anika Fazokas decided the match with a golden goal.

Due to the defeat, the Netherlands finished penultimate in the group. Norway and Hungary finished first and second in the group, meaning they were promoted to the highest level. South Korea is relegated. The Netherlands remains active at the second world level.

The Dutch men also started the World Cup in Austria. The opening match against China was lost 3-0. The young Dutch team, which has suffered many cancellations, will play the second group match of the tournament against Ukraine on Sunday.