Switzerland vs Germany: an epic ice hockey quarter-final

In latest months, Switzerland’s nationwide ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer has hardly ever been seen as relaxed as he was on Tuesday night on the O2 Arena in Prague. His group beat Finland 3-1 and completed the primary group in second place. Still forward of the Finns, but additionally forward of the Czech masters. Only the Canadians, the place the Swiss misplaced solely within the first spherical of the event, are forward of them.

Fischer spoke of a “mature recreation” after the sport in Finland. “We have been extremely constant all through the primary spherical, particularly in defence. In a five-on-five recreation, we do not enable a lot in opposition to good opponents. And most significantly: we’re wholesome. Everyone is aware of what to do. And more often than not we do it persistently. That makes me constructive.”

“The proper approach”, who can nonetheless hear it?

There it’s once more, that “proper approach” that Fischer and his group tried so many occasions throughout the season of the take a look at recreation with 13 consecutive losses. In reality, there are individuals who consider that in sports activities, even in trivial take a look at matches, solely success counts. Likewise, they have been shocked when the nationwide coach’s contract was prolonged originally of February.

But the lengthy winter months are removed from over this spring for Swiss ice hockey in Prague. Instead of boredom and a nasty angle, there’s now pure pleasure within the group. The Swiss followers, who obtained a medal earlier than the quarter-final for his or her look on the O2 Arena and within the streets of this stunning metropolis, celebrated the group and their coach with enthusiasm.

It enjoys a break from the on a regular basis lifetime of the championship with a bunch of meaningless video games between HC Ajoie and Ambri-Piotta or EHC Kloten and Geneva/Servette. But these are additionally a part of the truth of Swiss ice hockey – and the premise of those wonderful days in Prague.

Fischer says: “We will likely be prepared, Germany is an effective opponent.” But he does not wish to discuss any want for revenge, regardless of the latest string of defeats. On the opposite, he says: “We solved all of the tough occasions we just lately confronted collectively. And we are going to face these once more on Thursday. But we’re prepared. Whether his opponent is Germany or whoever, it does not matter. “

Of course that isn’t true. The quarterfinal is completely different than the group stage. And if the opponent is known as Germany, the sport turns into much more particular. The rivalry with its neighbor, to which Switzerland directs itself and likes to match itself, could be very lengthy and really bitter. The final three video games have been all gained by the Germans.

Memory of Prague 1992

But there have been different occasions. Especially in Prague. In 1992, the Swiss gained the quarter-final in opposition to Germany 3-1 with the 2 coaches John Slettvoll/Bill Gilligan. Legends Didi Hegen, Gerd Truntschka and Peter Draisaitl raided the Germans, whereas Felix Hollenstein, Jörg Eberle and Thomas Vrabec raided Switzerland. Renato Tosio and Reto Pavoni shared purpose duties. These phrases alone give an concept of ​​how way back that was.

This quarter-final victory in Prague was seen as a sensation in Swiss ice hockey. The NZZ headline on the time: “Swiss group to World Cup success”. You felt such as you had reached the top of worldwide ice hockey. The following spring, nearly the identical group with Slettvoll and Gilligan on the boards was relegated to the second division. Ideally in Munich, Germany.

Switzerland and Germany fought one of the vital memorable duels within the historical past of worldwide ice hockey. What is very memorable is the take a look at match on November 22, 1963 in Munich, which was left after the second third when the rating was 0: 6. Because the information of the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy got here from Dallas. It was as soon as a matter of life and loss of life.

On Thursday, when the Swiss will face Germany within the closing in Ostrava from 4:20 pm, Patrick Fischer’s job will in all probability be gone. Before the World Cup began, this coach was requested to lastly advance to the quarterfinals once more. Especially with this wonderful group he has within the Czech Republic. The Swiss confirmed this expectation within the group stage.

Above all, due to excellent gamers equivalent to Roman Josi, Kevin Fiala and Nico Hischier, who come from the NHL and usually are not accessible throughout the trial part, the group and Fischer have already reached a small purpose. Fischer feels uncomfortable when requested repeatedly in regards to the group’s affect. On Tuesday he tried to emphasise the significance of the entire group. But then you definately additionally know: Without Josi, Fiala and Co., his group is nowhere close to the standard wanted to win a medal.

When a reporter requested him on Tuesday night: “Germany, I repeat. Now it ought to work once more, proper?” the coach replied: “It does not must, we now have to concentrate on our efficiency and affect what we will affect. Then after sixty minutes we take a look at the scoreboard and see what it says.”

What else can he say? My God, Germany once more?