BEIJING (AP) — The Swiss ice hockey team has made a surprise advance to the quarter-finals of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
After three losses in the preliminary round, Switzerland defeated the Czech Republic 4:2 (2:1, 1:0, 1:1) in the deciding match. It is also clear that the German team is only tenth out of the twelve participating nations after a disappointing early Olympic exit. Against the 1998 Olympic champions, Switzerland played their best game of the tournament and will take on Finland in the quarterfinals on Wednesday (9.40 a.m.).
Swiss national coach Patrick Fischer put himself under extreme pressure before the game against Czech Republic favorites after a disappointing preliminary round. “If we go home with four losses, it will be a scam,” Fischer said.
Denmark is also currently in the quarter-finals when it is participating in the Olympics for the first time. The Danes registered their decisive victory against Latvia 3-2 (1-1, 1-1, 1-0) on Tuesday. Former DEL professional Marcus Lauridsen scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute. Denmark has to play against Russia in the quarter-finals on Wednesday (07.00). The United States and Slovakia will face each other in the first quarter-final (5:10 in the morning). The day before, the Slovaks had clearly scored a decisive victory against Germany 4–0 (1–0, 2–0, 1–0).
Canada will play Sweden in the final quarter-finals on Wednesday (2:30 pm). The nine-time Olympic champion defeated the Kunlun Red Star Club team, playing as the China national team, 7–2 (2–1, 3–1, 2–0) at the Winter Games.
