Ice hockey. France loses to Germany before the start of the World Cup

France’s preparations for the World Cup ended with a defeat in Germany on Monday night. The Blues lost (4-3, ap) after seeking extra time. A few days earlier, they had won their first opposition against Eishockeynationalmannschaft (3-5), after regaining the score at the end of a poorly started first third (0-3).

Last night in Weiswasser (East Germany) the game was more indecisive, with only one goal from Germany in the first period. Anthony Rech and Valentin Claireaux scored for the Blues in the second half, but Leonhard Pföderl immediately gave the Germans the lead each time. By equalizing in the third period, Rech sent France into overtime, but Dominik Kahun gave Germany victory by standing alone in front of Sebastian Ylönen (25 saves).

France will face Germany in the group on May 21

The World Cup opens on May 10 in the Czech Republic. The Blues start the competition the next day, Saturday at 12:20 in Ostrava, facing Kazakhstan, a direct competitor to remain in the world elite. Last year, the French team failed to qualify for the final stage of the competition, with just one win in seven matches.

The Blues meet the Germans for their final group match, on 21 May. The possibility of a big match between France and the finalists of the last World Cup.