While the Germans wee on top for long periods, regular time ended 3:3, forcing overtime.  

Deliverance for Latvia came from the stick of Ēriks Mateiko, who stood out with his second goal in the match, to give Latvia a 4:3 vicory and a place among the final eight. 

Linards Feldbergs was again excellent in goal, stopping 36 of the Germans’ 39 shots. Latvia needed just 19 shots to win the match.

“Everything was tough, but there was a happy ending,” Latvian coach Artis Ābols told the Latvian Hockey Federation after the game. “Every episode is super important. To win big games, you need leaders, like we had today. 

Latvia’s last group game will be played on Tuesday, December 31, at 21:30 Latvian time against Finland.

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