Kazakhstan's ice hockey team suffered their first defeat at the World Cup in Latvia before they met the German team.

As expected, the promoted team lost 3-0 against the USA on Tuesday (0-1, 0-1, 0-1).

Previously, the Kazakhs had surprised in Riga with a win against hosts Latvia and caused defending champion Finland to be embarrassed.

The underdog achieved both victories after a shootout.

For the USA it was the second victory in the preliminary round after a 1: 2 against the Finns and a clear 5: 1 in the prestige duel with Canada.

Finland rehabilitated on Tuesday evening for the embarrassment against Kazakhstan with a 5: 2 (1: 1, 2: 0, 2: 1) against Norway.

Before the game against Kazakhstan on Wednesday (3.15 p.m. / Sport1), Germany is thus leading the table in Group B with nine points after three game days ahead of Latvia, Finland (both 7) and the USA (6).

In Group A, the eleven-time world champion Sweden achieved their first victory in the third game on Tuesday - and that impressively.

With 7: 0 (2: 0, 2: 0, 3: 0) the Tre Kronors team didn’t leave Switzerland, which has so far been so convincing, the slightest chance.

Slovakia leads the group after three matchdays with nine points ahead of Russia, Switzerland (both 6) and Denmark (5).

The German team of national coach Toni Söderholm goes into the duel with Kazakhstan on Wednesday (3:15 p.m. / Sport1) with three wins from three games and the self-confidence of the first World Cup success over Canada in 25 years.