The German women's ice hockey team is on the brink of qualifying for the quarter-finals at the Olympic Winter Games, after an intense match against France that resulted in a 2-1 victory in overtime. Despite being the favorites, Germany struggled to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities, needing 47 shots to secure only two goals. The decisive goal was scored in the overtime period by Nina Jobst-Smith, marking a critical moment for the team as they strive for Olympic success.

The match, held in Milan, was closely watched by prominent figures, including IOC President Kirsty Coventry and her predecessor Thomas Bach. France's goalkeeper Alice Philbert delivered an outstanding performance, which contributed significantly to the difficulty the German team faced in converting their chances. Jobst-Smith acknowledged Philbert's efforts, highlighting that such performances make winning even more special.

Looking ahead, Germany's women's team will face hosts Italy in their final group stage match, where they will need at least one point to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals. With Japan also vying for a spot, the stakes are high, and the German team aims to secure their advancement with a strong performance against Italy on Tuesday.