Germany lose but avoid relegation
May 12, 2015
Germany stuttered to safety in a disappointing World Championships in the Czech Republic. Pat Cortina's team lost their final group-stage game 3-2 on penalties against Austria, but picked up the necessary point to survive. Germany has however lost home field advantage for Olympic qualifying, which will be confirmed when the new world rankings are released.
Captain Michael Wolf's fourth goal of the tournament and one from Patrick Reimer sent Germany into extra time, but Reimer and Kai Hospelt then missed in the shoot-out. Thomas Raffl and Rafael Rotter had twice put the Austrian's ahead, and the win leaves them with a good chance of avoiding relegation.
Cortina's three-year spell appears to be over. After missing out on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and this tournament display, Cortina's lack of success weighs heavy on his shoulders.
Former head coach Uwe Krupp is being tipped as a replacement.
jh/rd (dpa/SID)