PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Joel Eriksson Ek decided a huge upset against Finland in extra time, 2–1.
For the first time in six years, Tre Kronor is ready for a WC semi-final. The home country, the Czech Republic, awaits there.
There was a real thrill in the Ostravar Arena between the arch-rivals. After almost 55 goalless minutes struck Rasmus Dahlin to and looked to fix a Swedish victory when he spot-kicked 1-0 between the leg guards on Emil LarmiVäxjöstjärnan.
But Finland picked out the goalkeeper and equalized when Örebrocentern Hannes Björninen steered the tie to 1–1.
But in numerical superiority in the extension ruled Joel Eriksson Oak in a back shot from Victor Hedman. Thus, Sweden has broken the gloomy streak of quarter-final exits and fiascos in the World Cup.
Meet the Czech Republic
Now awaits a trip to Prague and a semi-final against the home nation, the Czech Republic. Sweden and Finland had met in four knockout matches in the context of the World Cup since 2011 with two victories each for the nations.
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Five years ago in Slovakian Kosice, the power situation was much like it is now. A Finland with only two NHL players won after extra time against a Swedish team with 21 NHL reinforcements.
It was also the start of four straight World Cups where Sweden did not go past the quarter-finals. For Finland, in the same period, there has been one Olympic gold and two World Cup golds.
Would the weak trend continue in Ostrava?
Grabbed the game
Sweden, with 18 NHL players in the squad, took the game against a Finland with three NHL players then the biggest star and team captain Mikael GranlundSan Jose, was suspended.
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But Finland defended strongly as usual and Växjö goalkeeper Emil Larmi was as monstrously good as he can be. The teams each had their post hit in the first period, for Sweden it was Joel Eriksson Ek who was only centimeters away.
In the second period, the Swedish press increased. Not least the first chain with Marcus JohanssonEriksson Ek and Adrian Kempe pushed Finland down.
Isaac Lundeström was through, enacted by Lucas Raymondbut Larmi got the shin guard out.
– I think we play well, it’s tight out there. It’s just a matter of continuing and the puck will eventually fall in, said the team captain Erik Karlsson to Viaplay after two periods.
Sweden had three power plays, but the Finns – who have not conceded a goal in that style of play – defended effectively. In the end, it was one that Sweden decided.
What do you think of Tre Kronor’s effort tonight? Share the article and have your say!
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