Inline hockey: USA beat Switzerland 1- 0

Switzerland have failed to hold on to their title at the world inline hockey championships in Amiens, France, after losing narrowly in the final against the USA.

The only goal of the game came when the Swiss side were one man down in a Powerplay-Situation.

The goal came in the 12th minute, just as the Swiss striker, Marcel Soom, was penalised and taken out of the game. Seconds, later, Zgymund Marszalek, scored the goal that gave USA their victory.

It is the fifth time the Americans have taken the title in the event’s six year history and Switzerland were very much considered the outsiders despite their win last year.

Swiss coach, Christian Wittwer said he had warned his players of the dangers of losing men. “It’s a pity that the decisive moment was during a Powerplay-Situation. But the Americans did not steal their victory. At the end of the day they played with more substance.”

However, Wittwer added he was proud of his team. “When you consider that we spent two of our preparation days travelling, on two different occasions, we gave a good account of ourselves.”

swissinfo with agencies