Slovakia U20 vs Germany U20

Slovakia controlled the opening period without finding a breakthrough until late. Adam Kazda came closest in the 10th minute, beating Bolle but hitting the left post. The deadlock finally broke at 17:58 when Lucian Bernát unleashed a rising shot from the left circle that beat Bolle high. Ivan Matta and Samuel Šramatý collected the assists.

The lead lasted only 5:14 into the second period. Slovakia had survived a 5-on-3 penalty kill after Jakubec's high-sticking double-minor, but Germany capitalised on the subsequent powerplay. Timo Kose steered home a feed from Rihards Griva and Dustin Willhöft at 22:12 to make it 1-1.

Germany carried the momentum through the middle frame. Goaltender Henriquez kept Slovakia in the game with a series of high-quality saves, including a breakaway stop on a German forward who had gone clean through. Another German chance from a two-on-one was also turned aside.

The winning goal arrived at 53:33. Slovakia broke out on a fast counter, and Jakub Dubravík forced the puck past Bolle at the back post after Samuel Murin's feed. The stadium clock showed 53:33 — Dubravík's first goal of the friendly double-header.

Germany pushed for an equaliser, pulling Bolle for an extra skater in the final minute, but Slovakia held firm.

Henriquez's breakaway save with 21 minutes left, with the score still 1-1, kept Slovakia level when Germany had the upper hand. Had the visitors scored there, the momentum would have been firmly theirs. Instead, Slovakia survived, regained composure and struck the decisive blow on the counter 15 minutes later.

• Henriquez (Slovakia U20) — The Slovak goaltender was the difference-maker. He made several point-blank saves in the second period, including a breakaway stop and a denial on a two-on-one rush. Reliable positioning and quick reflexes.
• Jakub Dubravík (Slovakia U20) — Scored the winner with a determined finish at the back post in the 54th minute. His movement off the puck created the opportunity.
• Lucian Bernát (Slovakia U20) — Opened the scoring with a precise shot from the left circle and was a constant threat on the wing.
• Timo Kose (Germany U20) — Scored Germany's lone goal on the powerplay and was a physical presence all night.

Player of the match: Henriquez (Slovakia U20)

Slovakia's period-by-period split (1–0, 0–1, 1–0) tells the story of a game that swung in waves. Slovakia seized the early initiative, Germany dominated the middle frame, and Slovakia's counter-attacking efficiency decided the third. The penalty kill was pivotal: Slovakia survived a 5-on-3 early in the second, but the 5-on-4 that followed produced Germany's goal. Special teams ultimately split the difference. The shot count was not available in official data, but Henriquez faced heavy traffic in the second period and passed every test.

Slovakia U20 completed a clean sweep of the two-game friendly series against Germany U20 (3–2 OT on 30 July, 2–1 today). It is a strong start to the 2026/27 international season for Peter Frühauf's squad, who used these matches to build depth ahead of the 2027 World Junior Championship cycle. Germany under Tobias Abstreiter will look for sharper finishing after creating clear chances but failing to convert enough.

Slovakia U20's next scheduled fixture is not yet confirmed. Germany U20 are also in a preparation phase, with no announced matches for the immediate future. Both teams will use the remainder of the summer to finalise their rosters for the 2026/27 season.

A tight, well-contested friendly that Slovakia edged through superior goaltending and a single moment of counter-attacking quality. Germany matched them territorially for long spells but lacked the finishing touch. Henriquez earned the victory as much as the goal-scorers did.