The opening game of the 2011 World Championship produced a stunning result, as Germany defeated Russia 2-0 on Friday in Bratislava for its first victory in 38 games between the nations at the tournament.
Goaltender Dennis Endras stopped all 31 shots he faced and Thomas Greilinger scored five minutes into the second period for Germany, squeezing a shot between the pads of Russia's Evgeni Nabokov. Patrick Reimer added insurance when he scored with two minutes left in the third.
"We were dreaming about a win over Russia from the very beginning; there is hard work behind it. We have deserved this win," Reimer told media after the game.
Germany, a member of Group A, next plays host Slovakia on Sunday. Russia faces Slovenia on Sunday. The top three teams from each group advance to the qualification round.
"We gained confidence during the last World Championship, and saw just what is possible," Germany captain Michael Wolf told media after the game, referring to last year's run to the semifinals which was ended by Russia.
In Friday's other game, Switzerland defeated France 1-0 in overtime on a goal by Julien Vauclair.
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