Finland will certainly win its block with a three-point victory over the Czech Republic. In the Helsinki block, the determination of investments is more complex.
24.5. 10:49 • Updated May 24th. 10:55
The opening rounds of the World Hockey Championships will be played today. The winners of both blocks and the final playoff teams are still unresolved.
Especially in block A, the deck is still wide open. The lions’ semi-final opponent can still be any of Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Denmark and Slovakia.
If two teams are tied, a match will decide the superiority. If at least three countries are in equal points, the superiority is determined by the following formula:
1) the points of each other’s games in the tie
2) the difference in goals between the countries in the tie
3) goals scored in games between the countries in the tie
4) the match against the best-ranked country that is not tied is included in the same comparison
5) ranking before the tournament.
Tampere block
The task of the lions against the Czech Republic is simple: with a three-point victory, a block win is certain. Sweden, which faces Latvia, is leading the way, so an extra time win might not be enough for Finland. The Czech Republic also has a chance to win the group if Sweden scores.
The United States has not yet secured its place in the playoffs, but even a point against Norway is enough. Latvia’s thin seam in the playoffs would require a three-point win over Sweden and a loss for the US.
Possible standings before Tuesday’s games:
Block winner: Finland, Sweden or the Czech Republic
Second place: Finland, Sweden or the Czech Republic
Third place: Finland, Sweden or the Czech Republic
Fourth place: United States or Latvia
12.20 Sweden-Latvia
4:20 PM US-Norway
20.20 Finland-Czech Republic
Helsinki block
Switzerland, which has won from victory, is in the driver’s place in Group A, but the opponent of the last round, Germany, can still reach the group victory with a three-point victory.
Switzerland will certainly remain at the top of the two, but otherwise ranked 2nd to 5th. are open. Slovakia still has a chance to get into the playoffs if it takes a three-point win over Denmark.
Even in a couple of scenarios, you may have to look at the goal differences between matches between the three teams. This is the case, for example, if Canada and Denmark win their matches and Germany loses theirs. In that case, all three teams would also be tied in their mutual matches. Canada grabbed second place with the best goal difference in their mutual matches.
Possible standings before Tuesday’s games:
Block winner: Switzerland or Germany
Second place: Switzerland, Germany or Canada
Third place: Germany, Denmark, Canada or Slovakia
Fourth place: Denmark, Canada or Slovakia
12.20 Germany-Switzerland
16.20 Slovakia-Denmark
20.20 Canada-France