Austria continued its impressive run at the ice‑hockey world championship, defeating Latvia 3‑1 in a tightly contested match. Benjamin Nissner opened the scoring on the power play in the third period, giving Austria a 2‑0 lead before Vinzenz Rohrer sealed the win with an empty‑netter. Tim Harnisch’s second‑period goal had put Austria ahead early, but Latvia’s captain Rudolfs Balcers equalised before Nissner’s decisive strike.
Austria's Winning Streak Continues
The victory marks Austria’s third straight win, propelling the team to the top of Group A alongside Switzerland and Finland. With each win, the Austrians have tightened their grip on the group standings, setting the stage for a fierce finish to the round.
In Group B at Fribourg, Norway delivered a commanding 4‑0 performance against Italy, extending its own winning streak to two games. Goals from Eskild Bakke Olsen, Noah Steen, Christian Kaasastul and Tinus Luc Koblar highlighted the offensive onslaught, while goaltender Henrik Haukeland turned away all 30 shots he faced, preserving a clean sheet.
Norway's Dominant Shutout
Italy, making its debut in the top division, remains without a point, underscoring the challenges faced by newcomers in the elite competition.
Both Austria and Norway will look to carry their momentum into the next fixtures, as the tournament’s schedule promises more high‑stakes matchups.