Today the next encounter of the First Division World Hockey Championship is set to kick-off. The current tournament leaders, Hungary and Slovenia, will take to the ice, much to the delight of international hockey enthusiasts.
The Hungarian national team has never been among the strongest contenders in world hockey, and their appearance in the elite division is hardly a rare occurrence. Last year, the Hungarian team competed among the best of the hockey community but failed to keep its elite status. The team ended up in the 15th spot and dropped back to the First Division, where it is presently one of the clear favourites with an excellent chance to rejoin the best. Currently, the Hungarian team holds the 2nd spot in the tournament table, having gained 8 points from 4 matches. The team has lost only once in 4 matches, startlingly against Romania with a score of 2:1. However, in the other three matches, the Hungarian team triumphed over Japan, South Korea, and Italy. In the final match, Hungary would certainly have to bag extra points so as not to let Italy, which plays against the underdog, bypass them.
The Slovenian national team is the most prestigious team in the current First Division World Hockey Championship. Since 2010, the Slovenian national team has been a frequent participant, alternating between the world hockey elite and the First Division. Last year, Slovenia participated in the World Championships in Finland and Latvia but ended up last, settling in the 16th position. In 2024, the Slovenian team has a good chance of returning to the world's strongest teams. Currently, Slovenia holds the top position in the tournament table, having earned 9 points in 4 matches. During the course of the current World Championship, the Slovenian team has suffered only one defeat, going down to South Korea in regular time. However, Slovenia outperformed Romania, Italy, and Japan in the other meetings. Slovenia has not yet secured a place in the elite.
Slovenia and Hungary have clashed in 21 matches. Slovenia has won 18 times, while Hungary has been victorious in 3 meetings.
Slovenia will prevail in regular time. The Slovenian team's line-up is more star-studded and individually stronger than Hungary's. After the defeat in the first match, Slovenia bounced back and secured 3 consecutive victories with a total score of 11:2.
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