Austria's women's ice hockey team celebrated its second win at the World Cup in Klagenfurt. Alexander Broms' team won against Hungary 3:2 (2:2.0:0.0:0) after a penalty shootout in front of 2,279 fans on Friday and overcame an initial 0:2 deficit within 25 seconds of the first third. Promotion is not possible before the game. The final is against the Netherlands on Saturday (8:25 pm).
The Hungarians put the Austrians under pressure in the opening third and were already 2-0 up after seven minutes. On the first power play, Mira Serekeli deflected an unstoppable shot past 18-year-old goalkeeper Magdalena Lukin (3rd) and Bernadette Nemeth (7th). In the final minute of the opening third, the Red-White-Red responded with a double strike. Defender Annika Fazokas scored her fourth goal of the match, and Lena Ortner equalized 25 seconds later.
With their newfound confidence, the Austrians provided a balanced match for the team that was kicked out of the A-WM. In the final third, the Hungarians again became powerful and dangerous. Lukin kept her team in the game with three strong saves, while Teresa Schaafsall was inches away at the other end, and Tamara Crasher hit the crossbar in extra time. Luckin was a four-time winner in the penalty shootout, with Anja Drummer and captain Anna Meixner scoring for Austria.
Norway are on the brink of promotion after a 1-0 penalty shootout win over the Netherlands. The Scandinavians can secure their place in the top ten A-World Cup on Saturday with a win over South Korea. France and Hungary will play for the second promotion spot in a head-to-head battle.
