The final decisions of the group phase at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland were made on Tuesday. And it was an extremely enjoyable matchday for Switzerland.
Coach Patrick Fischer’s national team is challenged by Germany and has to work overtime for the first time after an intense match. In the penalty shoot-out there is still something for the Swiss the seventh victory (4:3) in the seventh group game. The point record (20 points) from the silver year 2013 has thus been equalized.
In the quarter-finals, Switzerland now meets the USA (Thursday at 19.20), who won their last group game against Norway 4-2. The Germans are second in the group and have to deal with the Czech Republic.
Twelve points are not enough for finals
Group B win goes to Finland. The hosts beat the Czech Republic 3-0 in the evening game, overtaking Sweden and preventing an early replay of last year’s final. In Riga, the Finns were defeated by Canada in the final (3:2). While the Canadians (7-1 v France) are now up against Sweden (1-0 v Latvia), Finland meet Slovakia, who in turn knocked Denmark out of the tournament thanks to a 7-1 win.
Particularly bitter for the Danes: One point would have been enough for the Scandinavians to qualify for the finals. Denmark are now the first team to miss the quarter-finals with twelve points from seven group games since the current format was introduced in 2012.
Even before the last matchday, the relegation was certain. Italy and Great Britain will have to compete in Division I again next year. Hungary and Slovenia will be new in the top group. (cat)