Sweden started tentatively in the World Cup opener and in the first period it was Germany who had the most forwards, nine shots on goal against Sweden's four. Tre Kronor's 35-year-old World Cup debutant Lars Johansson played well between the posts and made some nice saves.
– He plays so aggressively, says SVT's commentator Chris Härenstam.
It was goalless even after the second period, but directly in the third period Sweden took the lead.
Jonatan Berggren fired a shot, which was headed off target. But Oscar Lindberg deliciously steered the puck in at the German goalie's first post, to make it 1–0 for Sweden.
That result stood the test of time, despite Germany taking out the goalie at the end of the third period and winning several faceoffs in the Swedish zone. But Lars Johansson in Tre Kronor's goal stood his ground and completed a fine World Cup debut.