Despite a mediocre performance, Switzerland won their second test game in Riga against Latvia 4-2, gaining revenge for their 3-2 defeat on penalties on Thursday.
25.04.2025, 21:06
25.04.2025, 21:41
SDA
With two goals within 46 seconds, the Swiss turned a 0:1 (10th) into a 2:1 (33rd) shortly after half-time. Both goals were scored by defenders Tim Berni and Michael Fora. It got even better for coach Patrick Fischer's team in the middle period, as Dario Rohrbach scored with a deflection in the 38th minute to make it 3:1.
The Swiss impressed with their efficiency in the first 40 minutes, as they did not have many more chances in the first two periods. The Latvians were more committed and deserved to take the lead. Eduards Tralmaks intercepted a bad pass from Geneva defender Giancarlo Chanton in the neutral zone and beat Zug goalie Leonardo Genoni beautifully. The Swiss also revealed some other defensive shortcomings. That's why Fischer found clear words during an interruption before the 1:1.
One minute into the final period, the Latvians conceded a penalty. But instead of extending their lead, the Swiss conceded a shorthander. After a hair-raising turnover by the visitors, Felikss Gavars was able to go in alone on Genoni and beat him with ease. The Swiss did not concede any more goals. In addition to the result and the efficiency in the middle third, the box play was also positive, even a 46-second double deficit was survived. With 81 seconds remaining, Fabian Ritzmann made it 4:2 with a shot into the empty net. The Bernese striker was successful for the fourth time in the sixth game of the World Cup preparations and thus continued to promote his own cause.
Fischer now has to make his next personnel decisions. In the coming week, several players from the finalists ZSC Lions and Lausanne will join the team. On Thursday, the Swiss will face Sweden in Kloten as part of the Euro Hockey Tour, before facing Finland and the host nation Czech Republic in Brno on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, as their last opponents before the start of the World Championship on May 9 in Herning.
