USA, Sweden, Czech Republic and Canada advance to Semifinals

USA-Slovakia (6:2)

With a 6:2 win over Slovakia, the United States booked their Semifinal spot against Sweden. 3 goals in the opening period where just too much for the Slovakian squad to make up for. A fourth goal by Auston Matthews in the second period was the only goal for that period. In the 47th minute Goalie Alexander Nedeljkovic was beaten a first time by Kristian Ferletak but only 2 minutes later John Macleod scored the 5th goal. Stevens for the US in the 53rd minute and Halama in the 56th minute for Slovakia scored the last two goals in a game that never gave the Slovaks a real chance to race for a Semifinal spot.

Czech Republic-Russia (3:2 OT)

In the second game the Czechs seemed to have a slight advantage, they had played a great preliminary round. The first goal was scored by Jakub Vrana at the end of period 1. It took a powerplay in the 33rd minute for the Russians to get on the scoreboard when Yegor Korshkov scored on Vitek Vanecek. A goal each in the 3rd period (David Kase for the Czech Republic and Kirill Pilipenko for Russia) meant that the game was destined for a 20 minute overtime. Just one minute into the extra time Russia was awarded a penalty shot but Yevgeni Svechnikovs nerves didn't withstand the pressure and missed the chance to win the goal. 6 minutes were played when it was Jakub Vrana again to score the game winning goal.

Sweden-Finland (10-0)

The expectations for game 3 were high, especially for host Finland. But what started with many hopes was quickly destroy by 3 goals by Nylander, Rosdahl and Lagesson with less than 11 minutes played. Finland had to do better in the second period if they wanted to keep up hopes in any way but just 54 seconds it was Lagesson with his second goal of the evening and Marcus Petterson only 2 minutes later catapulted the score to 5:0 after 23 minutes. The Swedes didn't have any mercy when the last period started, hammering another 4 goals into Joona Voutilainens goal who had replaced Kaapo Kahkonen in the 22nd minute. The dream of winning Gold at home was shattered by the Swedish Squad who are now a hot contender for Gold.

Canada-Switzerland (3:2)

The last Semifinal contender was decided between Canada and Switzerland whereby the Swiss were considered the underdog. 7 minutes into the period it was Dominik Diem who got Switzerland on the Scoreboard a first time. But Jake Virtanen on a powerplay got the puck passed Gauthier Descloux in the 18th minute. John Quennevilles goal in the 32nd minute was the only goal scored during the second period. Switzerland trailed the Canadians until the 56th minute when Kevin Fiala scored the game tying goal. As everyone was preparing for an overtime, Canadas Travis Konecny scored the game winning goal with 30 seconds left. A time-out and Goalie Descloux for an extra attacker didn't change the final score. Once again the Swiss played a good game but couldn't put in the extra effort when needed.

Tomorrows Semifinals are:

1. SF: USA-SWE
2. SF: CAN-CZE

Exactly this constellation was given in 2005 at the U18 in the Czech Republic. The United States won their game 6:2 and Canada got past the Czechs but lost to the Americans in the Final 5:1. Topscorer of that Tournament was a certain Phil Kessel, Topscorer of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In the first of 3 possible Relegation games Germany defeated Denmark 3:2. Both Teams will play game 2 tomorrow.

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