Overview

• Germany must defeat the Czech Republic in today's group-stage match to secure a strong chance at quarter-final qualification.
• Head coach Harold Kreis has reintroduced veteran forward Marcel Noebels, who was initially cut, as a key figure in the team's strategy.
• Mathias Niederberger has been named starting goalie, with NHL's Philipp Grubauer expected to be rested for the final group-stage game against Denmark.
• The team is under mounting pressure following heavy losses to Switzerland (1:5) and the USA (3:6), which exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
• Germany's final group-stage game against co-host Denmark tomorrow will be decisive, with the team needing at least a point depending on today's result.