Day 4 Summary: All Medal Favorites Go Straight into Quarterfinals – 05.12.2018

The fourth match day of the World Championship in Prague brought four clear wins and two big dramas. Finland qualified for the Quarterfinals from the second spot in group B, while the Czech Republic overcame Switzerland in the evening match and got ahead of their opponent to the first position in group A.

Thailand – Australia 3-4 (1-1, 0-3, 2-0)

The match was played in a roaring atmosphere created by the decently filled O2 Arena. The Australians made the decisive step towards their victory in the second period, in which they score three goals and built a 4-1 lead. Although the Thais reduced the gap in the third period, they didn’t manage to equalize. Thanks to this win Australia defended the second place in group C and qualified for the play-offs where it will face Norway.

Slovakia – Singapore 18-2 (7-0, 6-0, 5-2)

The Slovaks controlled the entire match and only sporadically gave the ball to the Singaporeans. Only in the third period Singapore scored two consolation goals, but lost 2-18 in the end. Three Slovak players completed a hat-trick in the match – Ladislav Gál, Filip Čonka-Skyba, and Michal Dudovič, who is currently the scoring leader of the entire championship with 16 points (7+9). Slovakia clearly won group D and will face Latvia in the preliminary play-off round.

Japan – Canada 2-14 (1-8, 0-3, 1-3)

Canada had to win against Japan and, if possible, by a big margin. And their players followed this objective from the very beginning, scoring eight goals in the first period and turning the match into an exhibition. Japan only reduced the gap to 2-14 with a goal scored ten seconds before the end. Canada thus went ahead of Singapore and qualified for the elimination stage from the second place in group D.

Norway – Finland 1-9 (0-3, 0-1, 1-5)

This direct battle for the second place in group B was clearly dominated by the Finns, who showed their determination to win in the first period already. They kept increasing their lead and led the match to a comfortable 9-1 win. So, Finland qualifies for the quarterfinals, whereas Norway will have to fight for the spot among the top eight against Australia. 

Sweden – Denmark 25-0 (13-0, 4-0, 8-0)

The match between Denmark and Sweden was tight only at the beginning of the first period. From the fifth minute Sweden absolutely dominated in the rink. Alexander Galante Carlström scored five times during the opening period, Kim Nilsson and Robin Nilsberth added four goals each. Sweden crushed Denmark 25-0, won group B and qualified directly for the quarterfinals. The goalkeeper Johan Rehn became the first to keep a clean sheet at the tournament. Denmark will fight for the quarterfinals against Estonia.

Czech Republic – Switzerland 6-4 (3-2, 0-0, 3-2)

Roaring atmosphere, beautiful goals, emotions and maximum effort from both sides. The evening match between the Czech Republic and Switzerland was a complete experience. Following an up-and-down spell in the first period when four goals were scored within 74 seconds, the home team took a 3-2 lead. The resolution of this thriller came in the third period when the Czechs built the decisive lead. Thanks to this victory they climbed up to the first position of group A and qualified directly for the quarterfinals, just like team Switzerland from the second place.