Showing Some International Love: 2013 Division III Review

South Africa could have slept through most of their game, while Greece and United Arab Emirates try to stay up and not have to qualify for this tournament again.

Note: Most information from the IIHF website.

Standings

Team	Win	OT/SO Win	OT/SO Loss	Loss	Points	Goal Difference
South Africa	5	0	0	0	15	+31
North Korea	4	0	0	1	12	+9
Luxembourg	3	0	0	2	9	+7
Ireland	2	0	0	3	6	-2
Greece	1	0	0	4	3	-16
UAE	0	0	0	5	0	-29

Results

April 15
North Korea 5 - United Arab Emirates 3
Greece 3 - Ireland 6
Luxembourg 2 - South Africa 5

April 16
United Arab Emirates 3 - Greece 4
North Korea 5 - Luxembourg 2
South Africa 7 - Ireland 4

April 18
Luxembourg 5 - Ireland 0
North Korea 7 - Greece 1
South Africa 15 - United Arab Emirates 0

April 19
Ireland 1 - North Korea 2
United Arab Emirates 1 - Luxembourg 8
Greece 1 - South Africa 8

April 21
Luxembourg 3 - Greece 2
Ireland 7 - United Arab Emirates 3
South Africa 4 - North Korea 1

Recap

South Africa: South Africa did not have much trouble landing a promotion. They started off with a win against a Luxembourg team that gave them a bit of a scare, keeping the score close (3-2) before South Africa extended the lead in the third period. South Africa beat Ireland by essentially one-upping them in goals every period. South Africa didn't give any leeway to UAE, stomping them 15-0 while outshooting them 77-11. They didn't let up afterwards, beating Greece 8-1. In the end, South Africa were able to power through North Korea 4-1 in the only game they got outshot. South Africa finishes first, earning a promotion back to Division II.

North Korea: For the most part, it seems like North Korea could have done more, but for whatever reason couldn't. They started off with a win against an UAE that ended up hanging around more than the North Koreans would have liked. It was easier next game, as North Korea were able to gain a 5-0 lead and limit Luxembourg in any comeback attempt they tried, winning 5-2 in the end. North Korea's only blowout game happened against Greece, were a 5-goal third period helped North Korea to a 7-1 win. North Korea had some trouble with Ireland, edging by them in a 2-1 win. Their only lost was against South Africa, as they could only score once in the promotion game. North Korea finishes second again, continuing to try and break through into Division II.

Luxembourg: Luxembourg started the tournament keeping close to South Africa before letting the game get away from them in the third period. Against North Korea, Luxembourg could not rebound after letting up 5 goals in the first two periods. That was it for Luxembourg losing, as they rebounded with a 5-0 shutout of Ireland. Luxembourg continued to roll, putting up an eight-spot against UAE. Luxembourg last game was a tight one with Greece, as they edged the Greeks out for a 3-2 win. Luxembourg finished third for the second straight year.

Ireland: Ireland had a good beginning and end of this tournament, but a bad middle. The Irish started off closely with Greece before exploding for four goals in the third, winning the game 6-3. Against South Africa, Ireland didn't have much of a chance, as any attempt try and tie the game was answered by a couple goals by their opponent. Ireland was shutout by Luxembourg in their next game. Ireland did well in holding their own against North Korea, but ran out of time in attempting a comeback. The Irish ended on a high note, beating UAE 7-3. Ireland finishes fourth again, and looks like they might stay there in the immediate future.

Greece: Having to qualify for this tournament, Greece was trying to come in and make a bit of noise. They kept their opening game against Ireland close until the third period, were the Greeks collapsed, allowing 4 goals in the 6-3 loss. Greece's only win was against UAE, as they needed a 3-goal second period to take the lead and held on from there. Greece was blown out in their next two games, losing 7-1 to North Korea and 8-1 to South Africa. The Greeks ended the tournament losing to Luxembourg in a close game. With the fifth place finish, Greece might need to qualify again for Division III next year.

United Arab Emirates: Comparing to their last Division III appearance (2010), UAE did worse here. They did open the tournament relatively well, holding on against North Korea and Greece in those two losses. UAE had nothing going against South Africa, getting pumped 15-0 (with 7 of them coming in the first period). Things barely got better against Luxembourg, as UAE did end up with a goal in the third period, making it an 8-1 loss. UAE ended the tournament losing 7-3 to Ireland. USE finishes sixth, and will probably need to qualify again for next year's tournament.