The Mighty Roos were no match for Serbia in their first game of the 2025 IIHF World Championships, the host nation convincingly securing a 3-0 victory over the green and gold.
Australia struggled to make the most of their offensive zone entries as Serbia nullified their ability to cycle the puck down low and to the net front, forcing Australia to take the bulk of their shots from low-danger areas. In the end, Australia would generate just 16 shots on goal to Serbia’s 34, despite seven powerplay opportunities, including a 5-on-3 in the early stages of the second period.
Unlike Australia, Serbia would immediately seize on the powerplay. After a high-energy first few minutes, with both team’s feeling out each other’s style of play, a roughing penalty was called on Australia’s Thomas Steven. Serbia rallied on the man advantage with the home crowd behind them, 22-year-old Aleksa Gvozdenovic drawing first blood.
The drive Serbia gained from their home support was evident, finishing the first period outshooting Australia 12-4 and with all the momentum heading into the second period. That would be accentuated by a strong penalty kill after defenceman Marko Mladenvoic was called for holding, Serbia aggressively checking Australia’s puck handlers to force them into quickly playing the puck, providing the Mighty Roos with zero rhythm in their offensive zone.
Moments after Australia’s first powerplay went unsuccessful, Serbia would extend the lead, a shot from the point by Lazar Lestaric flying through a screen and over Australia’s Aleksi Toivonen’s glove.
But Australia never seemed out of the game as ill-discipline from the Serbs saw them land several more man advantage opportunities, including an extended 5-on-3 just three minutes later. However, Serbia’s relentless pressure on the puck was something Australia appeared unprepared for, as the penalty kill continued to shine. Australia could not capitalise and entered the final frame down 2-0.
Defence shone in the final third as both countries exchanged multiple penalties. Toivonen looked most confident as time wound down, saving three shots right on his doorstep in a quick flurry from Serbia, but couldn’t receive reward for his efforts. Australia failed to have a single shot on net from the slot in the final period, taking only seven shots from within the dots for the whole match. Comparing that to Serbia’s 14 slot shots, it’s clear that number will need to drastically increase if Australia are to break through against Belgium in their next game, who also happened to win in a shutout against Israel during the first day of action.
Ultimately, Gvozdenovic would score his second for the game on an empty netter to seal a comprehensive victory for the Serbian national team. Australia had opportunities, but the aggressive defensive intensity from Serbia and their ability to capitalise on the powerplay saw them take home the three points.
Australia will seek a strong bounce back performance against Belgium next with puck drop at 12am AEST tonight.
ADRENALINE
RHINOS
ICE
THUNDER
MUSTANGS
BRAVE
NORTHSTARS
LIGHTNING
