Ice Hockey World Cup group stage, Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:20 p.m.
What did I tell you about the DEB team’s last appearance at this Ice Hockey World Championship? The Swiss are simply too strong for the Germans at the moment!
However, when it comes to my USA vs. Germany prediction for the “Eagles’” next group match, I am undecided as to the possible outcome. The decisive factor will be which side the US boys show us this time…
It wasn’t entirely unexpected that the German team lost their way against Switzerland for the first time in this World Championship – the Swiss were too quick, too composed and too technically precise.
1:5 sounds clear – and it was. The Swiss were clearly superior from the start of the second period and were unstoppable on their way to victory.
Tim Stützle seemed to be involved in every other scuffle and Moritz Seider didn’t make a good impression at the back. The Germans were visibly frustrated with themselves and their opponents.
Nevertheless, a team that has won three group games in a row – including a 4-1 victory over Kazakhstan and a comfortable 5-2 win over Norway – certainly doesn’t have to start from scratch after this debacle.
This German team has quality, structure – and above all, a fighting spirit. The squad is well put together, not overly prominent, but balanced and with a dash of NHL class.
The defeat against the Swiss does not change that.
The injury-enforced absence of Julian Reichel is a heavy blow, but the late call-up of Tim Stützle brings into the team a player who has had an outstanding season in Ottawa. That could make all the difference in the match against the USA.
Because although this US selection looks like a medal guarantee on paper, in reality the veneer is crumbling badly. The 0-3 defeat against Switzerland was a first warning sign, while the narrow overtime win against Norway was a real wake-up call.
In both games, Team USA looked lethargic, disorganized, and at times almost arrogant. They rely too much on individual talent instead of functioning as a team.
The quality is there: Keller, Thompson, Cooley – it reads like an NHL All-Star lineup. But so far, the spirit, the flow, the feeling that there is a real team on the ice is missing.
And what was particularly evident in the game against Norway: as soon as the opponent defends in a structured manner and switches quickly, the US defense reveals gaps.
There is often a lack of coordination, especially when moving backwards – something that the DEB team can punish mercilessly.
After their clear defeat against Switzerland, in which they completely collapsed in the second period, Germany will be keen to make a statement early on, preferably right from the start.
“1st goal: GER” is therefore a tip that I would select at odds of around 2.80 at any time on all tested and virus-free sports betting apps.
I also like the bet “Over 5.5 goals,” as the US team currently seems to have the perfect conditions for this game – a first-class offense and sloppy defense.
Did you know that the Bundesliga season is coming to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday? So while the final decisions are being made on the soccer pitches, the Ice Hockey World Championship is still in full swing for another seven days – so there’s plenty on offer for sports fans.
But that’s not all: on Saturday evening, the winner of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will also be decided! That’s right – you can also bet on the colorful spectacle of European pop culture.
Conclusion: We now know that the Swiss are extremely dangerous in every game.
However, I’m not sure whether the US always brings its full potential to the ice…
If they do, the DEB team faces a similar thrashing on Saturday as they did against Switzerland. But if they can stay focused, a victory is definitely possible – and it will be a high-scoring game in any case.
My prediction: Over 5.5 goals
