■■ It’s time for the quarter-finals in the WC. Switzerland and Sweden are today’s two biggest favourites, but it feels open in all quarter-finals. Sweden progressed from their group as runners-up after losing the group final against the USA. Hallam has managed to put his character on the team already in his first championship. Sweden has won six out of seven games without performing any fantastic hockey. You are consistent in your game and hard to beat. As I said, the only loss came against the USA and seen over 60 minutes, the USA was the better team. Despite that, Sweden managed to come back from 1-3 to 3-3 to force extra time.
Latvia started the group stage with two straight losses against Canada and Slovakia but has since won five straight matches. Before the last round, points were required against Switzerland, who had already finished in group ten. They succeeded in that, there was even a victory after extra time. Balcers and Abols have carried the team offensively.
Together they accounted for 15 points.
Sweden goes into the meeting as heavy favourites. What speaks against Sweden is that the match is played in Riga. Latvia have risen in front of their home crowd and will not give anything away. The fact that Sweden got Latvia also means that the team was forced to leave Finland for the first time during the championship. It should not have a significant impact considering the habit that the NHL players in the Swedish squad have of flying from day to day.
In the end, I think Sweden wins this quite comfortably. Sweden has better players in basically every position.
There is hardly a player in Latvia who had taken a jersey in Sweden. Sweden to win with a handicap of -1.5 goals is played at odds of 1.76.
The match list
Switzerland – Germany 1
Switzerland have received reinforcements during the championship that few other nations can match. The team has sailed up as gold favorite after an impressive group stage. Tough task awaits Germany.
USA – Czech Republic 2
The USA has forward Eyssimont suspended. The USA went through the group stage undefeated after winning the group final against Sweden in their last game. For the Czech Republic, most of it has been about Kubalik offensively. He tops the entire WC’s points tally.
Canada – Finland 2
Canada has not been convincing in terms of play in the championship. Veleno remains suspended for Canada. Finland has an ability to grow into the tournament and can count as a favorite at home.
Sweden – Latvia 1
Sweden has some small flaws in the squad. Petersson has had to leave the team injured and Sandin is a question mark before the meeting. Both Folin and Rasmussen have been called in to strengthen the squad.
Today’s best game
Sweden – Latvia: Sweden -1.5 handicap.
Odds: 1.76
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