Lebler’s hattrick gives Austria first win in Bratislava

Austria and Poland close their journey in the Olympic qualifiers by playing without pressure: both teams are already without the possibility of qualification.

It was a pleasant game, with different chances on both sides. Austria took the lead after 4 minutes with Manuel Ganahl finishing a fine assist from Peter Schneider. After a good chance for Baumgartner, a big mistake by the Austrian defense allowed Marcin Kolusz to serve Macej Urbanowicz alone in front of goalkeeper Kickert beating him easily. After the goal Poland played better and hit the post with Grzegorz Pasiut. But just before the siren the Polish defense is not very reactive and gives Brian Lebler the chance to prepare and execute a shot without chance for Murray

In a second calmer period, Lebler's third Austrian goal arrives five minutes from the siren, with a powerful diagonal shot. Polish goalie Murray then saved his team from the 4 goal with a nice save on a one-timer deflection by Raphael Herburger.

In the last period, Austria scored the fourth goals, again with Lebler even if the credit is mainly due to Dominic Zwerger, who was able to steal a puck in the Polish defense. After the goal, Peter Schneider receives a severe blow, remaining on the ice for a few minutes, then getting up without consequences

After the good victory against Belarus, Poland was unable to repeat the performance, playing badly with both Slovakia and today with Austria, leaving the tournament with only 3 points. Same fate for Austria, which collapsed after a good period against the Belarusians, leaving 3 points that could have been decisive today. Bryan Lebler's tournament was very good, ending with 5 goals in three games.

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