Switzerland attacks the World Championship in Prague today (4:20 p.m.) against Norway. And Patrick Fischer knows he is expected to turn the corner after three infuriating eliminations in the quarter-finals.
KEYSTONE
The spotlight may not all be on Patrick Fischer, but the Zougois is under more pressure than in the past. Because under his leadership and apart from the first World Cup in Moscow in 2016, Switzerland has always reached the quarter-finals. But the silver medal in Copenhagen seems very distant. Repeated failures in the quarter-finals against affordable opponents (Germany twice and the United States once) during the last three editions, after well-controlled group stages, have weakened the situation of the Zougois.
Fortunately, Switzerland will be able to rely on Roman Josi, released Wednesday by Nashville. With one of the best defenders in the world at the helm, things change. Josi has not worn the white cross sweater since the mortifying quarterfinal defeat in Kosice in 2019. But with him on the ice, the whole group is improved, since he can negotiate without blinking between 25 and 30 minutes of ice per meeting.
Switzerland can also count on Nico Hischier, Nino Niederreiter and Philipp Kurashev, all NHL forwards. Enough to reach the quarters in a group that is tougher than usual. Switzerland actually finds itself with three “big ones”: Canada, Finland and the Czech Republic. The other nations are Denmark, Norway, Austria and Great Britain. The first test will take place on Monday May 13 with the match against the Czechs.
ATS
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