Germany has defeated Austria 2-0 in its opening game at the women’s ice hockey world championship

ESBJERG, Denmark -- Germany blanked Austria 2-0 in its opening game at the women’s ice hockey world championship on Saturday.

Katarina Jobst-Smith broke the deadlock 7:34 into the second period in the Group A game in Esbjerg.

Austria, playing in the top division for the first time, pulled goalie Selma Luggin with 1:39 remaining in the final period before Jobst-Smith scored her second into an empty net.

The Austrians were beaten by the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opener on Friday.

Germany will face defending champion the United States on Sunday.

In Group B in Herning, Denmark came back from two goals down to beat Japan 3-2 after a penalty shootout.

Japan, playing its opening game, led 2-0 through goals from Umeka Odaira in the first period.

Nikita Bergmann reduced the deficit in the second and Teresa Christensen tied it at 2 with 2:56 to go to force overtime which didn't decide the match.

Frederikke Foss scored the decider in the shootout for the host, which rebounded from a 4-1 defeat to Finland on Friday.

Japan will play Canada on Sunday.