Sweden managed to reach the semi-finals of the JVM after a real shocker against neighboring Finland on Monday, a match that ended 3-2. This meant a second straight semifinal for the Junior crowns where the Czech Republic awaited, a nation Sweden defeated in overtime in the group stage.
The match began tentatively on Wednesday evening. Both teams knew each other and the first period ended goalless after the Czech Republic was somewhat sharper in the game.
At the beginning of the second period, however, Sweden would take the lead. Södertäljebacken Ludvig Jansson raised the club and pushed a powerful direct shot into the crossbar and great cheers erupted. It was his fourth goal of the tournament.
Sweden got off to a flying start in the third period and were very close to making it 2-0 early on. However, the Czech Republic played itself up and had a shot on target that came close to resulting in a goal.
When everyone thought the game was over, the Czechs struck. With just seconds left, they equalized through David Jiricek and the match went to extra time.
In the extension, the Swedes pressed hard – but it was not enough. The Czech Republic’s Jiri Kulich decided the match with a fine goal and Sweden is eliminated from the JVM. In the final, the Czechs will face either the USA or Canada, who will play on the night of Thursday.
In the player above: See all the goals from the match.