Austria's U18 scarce World Cup defeat against Kazakhstan-on the showdown!

Austria's U18 scarce World Cup defeat against Kazakhstan-on the showdown!

Szekesfehervar, Ungarn - The ÖEHV-U18 national team had to accept a bitter defeat as part of the U18 B World Cup in Szekesfeher. The team lost 2: 4 on April 24, 2025. This defeat is already the third in four games of the tournament, which makes the situation tense for the Austrian team. Now there is a crucial duel against the host Hungary, which deals with relegation.

In the game against Kazakhstan, Austria started unhappily. After the first third, the team was already 0: 3 behind. The goals for Kazakhstan fell in the 6th minute in the power play, followed by Kireyev (14th minute) and Tusupbekov (15th minute, also in the power play). In the second third, Austria was able to shorten to 1: 3 by a goal from Kolarik in the 36th minute. In the final third, Oberhauser then managed to reduce the gap to 2: 3 (50th minute). Nevertheless, Kazakhstan closed the sack shortly before the end with an Empty-better by Ibragim, which increased to 4: 2 in the 59th minute.

relegation in the A World Championship

The Austrian A national team experienced a real sensation at the World Cup. They managed to secure the relegation for the first time since 2008. The last time this was successful in 2004 when Austria acted as the organizer. In the penultimate group game, Austria prevailed 4-0 against Belarus, in front of 7,370 enthusiastic viewers.

The start of the game was promising when Viveiros scored the first goal in the 5th minute. Goalkeeper Bernhard Starkbaum was a decisive factor by warding up numerous opportunities for the Belarusians, including shots by Linglet (7th minute) and Platt (10th minute). In the 31st minute Komarek used an overpower game and increased to 2: 0. In the 40th minute, dwarfs also caused 4: 0.

positive feedback and injuries

Konstantin Komarek was chosen as the best player in the game for his excellent performance. However, the team plagued injury worries because striker Brian Lebler failed with a finger injury and defender Heinrich with a knee injury. Team boss Roger Bader was visibly pleased with the performance of his team and the goal achieved. Captain Thomas Hundertpfund emphasized the strong team performance and the positive influence of the last game.

Dominic Zwerger, who scored his first goal at the A-WM, spoke about the importance of success, while the players gathered proudly on the relegation, which came about through a closed team performance. This could give the necessary momentum for the future challenges.