Germany out of Hockey World Champs

With their backs to the wall Germany got off to a good start in this one. Daniel Pietta put the puck in the net at the eight-minute mark. But Michal Vondrka responded only six minutes later. The score after the first period: 1-1.

Michael Wolf restored Germany's advantage in the 24th minute, but that was the end of the scoring for coach Pat Cortina's men. Petr Koukal and Jacub Voracek struck twice within two minutesto put the Czechs ahead 3-2 in the second period.

"It's really bitter," said Germany forward Patrick Reimer. "We gave it our all, but we just made a few mistakes too many."

Former National Hockey League supterstar Jaromir Jagr completed the 4-2 scoreline. Germany crash out of the tournament and need a win against Austria on Monday to avoid being relegated.