Germany have been the positive surprise in Group A in Esbjerg. With a victory over Switzerland, the Germans secured second place in the group, and after the solid performances they have delivered in all four group games – including wins over the world's third- and fourth-ranked teams – for Jeff MacLeod's team, it's very much “alles drin” in the battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Germany came under pressure in the opening minutes, with Sandra Abstreiter making a couple of fine saves. However, number 25 came close to scoring the first time Germany managed to get near Swiss goaltender Saskia Maurer, who was given the start in the Swiss goalie tandem today.
The opening goal came after eight minutes. Rahel Enzler showed excellent footwork behind the net before sending the puck back to Alessia Baechler, who fired a first-time shot into the net to give Switzerland the lead.
Shortly afterwards, the post came to Abstreiter's rescue in the German goal when Alina Müller tried to find the near corner.
Germany had four minutes of power play towards the end of the period and managed to put Maurer under pressure several times. On one occasion, Carina Strobel had an open net from a relatively long distance, but her shot went wide.
The play swung back and forth in the second period, and the first truly dramatic moment came midway through the game when Ronja Hark somehow managed to force the puck past Maurer in a battle close to the net.
The goal was initially disallowed, and following a German coach's challenge, the officials stood by their original decision. Instead of equalising, Switzerland were handed a two-minute power play, but they were unable to make the most of the opportunity.
Instead, Germany struck twice in quick succession. First, Laura Kluge got behind the defence and lifted the puck into the net at 33:38. Just 55 seconds later, Nina Jobst-Smith showed great determination to squeeze the puck past Maurer. Germany had seized control of the momentum in a matter of seconds.
The game really opened up towards the end of the second period, with coast-to-coast hockey and chances at both ends of the ice.
Germany sent a clear statement early in the third period. A perfectly executed play down the right flank ended with Laura Kluge sending a cross-ice pass to Emily Nix, who fired the puck into the far corner to make it 3-1. Shortly afterwards, Tabea Botthof hit the post.
Switzerland had another opportunity on the power play midway through the third period and even enjoyed 20 seconds of five-on-three hockey.
However, their power-play percentage of 6.67 per cent remained unchanged on the night, and a couple of late penalties did little to improve their chances of mounting a comeback. Final result 3-1 Germany and the Swiss now have to wait for tonight’s game before they know who to meet in their quarterfinal on Friday.