Germany, the last year’s semi-finalists were able to defeat the hosts Slovakia by 4-3 during the world championship preliminary Group A clash in Hockey. With the win, Germany was able to maintain two wins during as many matches keeping their rates at 100 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Slovaks were defeated by Marcel Muller’s goal at 4:51 in the second period. He was able to send the puck under helpless ‘keeper Jaroslav Halak for the winning goal.

Slovaks are hoping that they would be able to repeat the same heroic level that they did during 2002.

Meanwhile, during the nail-biting match John Tripp was able to increase the lead of Germany within 8 minutes. Later on Frank Hordler and Felix Schutz were able to make one goal each from their side to take the total to 4-0.

But Slovakia did not wait in silence and replied with goals from Ladislav Nagy, Josef Stumpel and skipper Pavol Demitra. At that time, the Slovakian coach, Glen Hanlon substituted Halak for the sixth field player with 1:33 remaining. He was making an attempt to balance the scores, but he failed to do that during this day.