- Switzerland beats France 5:2 and also wins the 6th group game at the World Cup in Finland.
- Coach Patrick Fischer’s team got off to a cold start and made up for a deficit of 0:2.
- On Tuesday it is against Germany to win the group.
After the 6:3 coup against world champions Canada, there was still a hangover in the Swiss team. The crash landing against France followed promptly – at least in the first third. Patrick Fischer’s team looked tired and were surprised by the pace and bold performance of the French.
Berra saves the penalty
Almost 5 minutes were played when Reto Berra, who was preferred to Leonardo Genoni in goal, had to admit defeat for the first time. However, Alexandre Texier’s early goal was more of a wake-up call for the underdog than for the Swiss. After 13 minutes, Valentin Claireaux raised for France.
And only seconds later it could have been even worse: But Berra parried the (poorly executed) penalty from Texier and prevented the 3rd goal.
Switzerland went into the first break two goals down and then came out of the dressing room transformed. It only took 25 seconds before Nico Hischier was able to shorten the gap with his 4th tournament goal. And suddenly the Swiss were there. Damien Riat with a deflector (33rd) and World Cup record player Andres Ambühl (36th) turned the game in favor of superior Switzerland (12:2 shots on target in the middle section).
With the lead behind them, the Fischer team kept up the pace in the final section as well. The Swiss acted practically only in forward gear and vehemently sought the preliminary decision. And this should then also fall in the 52nd minute. Dean Kukan made it 4-2 with a powerful wrist shot from the blue line.
Hischier briefly disappears into the cabin
As a result, Switzerland only had to endure anxious minutes when Captain Hischier went into the dressing room after a check. However, the Valaisan returned a short time later to the players’ bench and to the ice. However, the team no longer ran the risk that the French could turn the game around. On the contrary: Hischier chose the “Empty Netter” for 5: 2 as a double goal scorer.
Showdown for group victory against Germany
At the end of the group phase, Switzerland meets Germany on Tuesday (11:20 a.m. live on SRF). The two country neighbors duel for the group victory. A draw after 60 minutes is enough for Switzerland to secure first place.