Samuel Soramies saved an almost certain goal just before the shot was finished.
The USA had a place to decide in overtime. Matt Coronato got the pass back and baked the puck a couple more times.
He served, and Drew O’Connor shot to his heart’s content right in front of the goal. However, there was one more German in front – more precisely, a German-Finnish.
Samuel Soramies, 24, still managed to cover the shot well enough, even though the situation already looked hopeless. The puck hit the knee. Soramies grimaced and kicked at the exchange fence, but Germany survived.
About the next attack Frederik Tiffels got the puck going, dribbled past a Yankee player and finished a precise wrist shot into the back top corner. The giant bang was ready, and Germany progressed to the World Cup final with a 4–3 goal.
Then Soramiehi felt foggy in his head.
– I remember rushing to the guys to celebrate, but the next few seconds are a blur.
– Unbelievable. It’s hard to even describe what’s going through your head right now, Soramies said fresh after the semi-final thriller.
However, Soramies remembered the knee block of the extension very well. Soon after, however, he experienced a miraculous healing.
– It really hurt a lot. The puck came straight to the knee. Right after that we scored a goal and I was already on the pitch. Adrenaline must have helped, because right now I don’t feel any pain, Soramies laughed.
For the first time in the country’s history, Germany advanced to the World Hockey World Cup final.
“There was no printable text”
Samuel Soramies (28) was one of Germany’s heroes in overtime. Reuters
Soramie’s feat was watched by a teammate from the fence JJ Peterka. The Buffalo Sabres’ NHL forward skated in the situation following the third USA player at the back post, when the puck flew to O’Connor, who was completely free.
– It was incredible! Peterka exclaimed in front of the media.
– I don’t know, did you see how I shouted to Samuel after that. There was no printable text, so I can’t reveal what I said to him. I was just so happy.
According to him, Soramiehe’s block in question reflected Germany’s incredible World Cup tournament.
– Everyone is ready to take the last puck on their feet for the team.
Germany did it again
Germany lost all three of their opening games, but have only won since then. In the semifinals, it was close against Switzerland, when Moritz Seider flew into the shower from a wing tackle.
The USA took a 2–0 lead in the semi-final right away. But Germany has always risen.
– It is completely incomprehensible what has happened during this tournament. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the end we’ve won.
– We are so committed to our goal. We love each other outside the rink too. I’m a really proud German at the moment, Peterka said.
However, there is still one dawn ahead. In the World Cup finals, Germany is once again the underdog, when Canada, who is in a tight match with Latvia, steps forward.
– The Finns in the stands today were on our side, and that was really great. I hope they will choose the right team tomorrow as well, Soramies advised.
Almost immediately after Soramie’s feat, Germany struck a solution. PASI LEISMA