Germany lose hockey opener

Germany's campaign in the Ice Hockey World Championship got off to a less than auspicious start, as Marco Sturm's men went down 3-2 to France.

France opened the scoring after just over three minutes through Damien Raux. But after only 26 seconds in the second period, Germany were level on a Tobias Rieder goal.

Felix Schutz then gave Germany a 2-1 lead before Valentin Claireaux leveled the scores once again at the end of the second period. The third period was scoreless, as was an extra priod. That set up to a tense shoot-out.

Damien Fleury scored the winning goal for France, and Germany's Marcel Goc missed his attempt, which would have taken the shootout one round further.

"My players were all up for it, but they were too nervous," Germany coach Sturm said after the match. "All in all, I'm happy. My guys gave their all and had a chance to win."

But Germany face a completely different caliber opponent, Finland, in their second match of the tournament on Sunday.