Canada's stars celebrate their quarterfinal appearance. © APA/afp / ANDERS WIKLUND

Czech Republic, Sweden and Canada in the World Cup quarter-finals

The tournament favorites have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Ice Hockey World Championship in Sweden and Denmark.

17 May 2025

From: apa/det

After runners-up Switzerland, defending champions Czech Republic, hosts Sweden and record world champions Canada also secured their ticket for the knockout round with clear victories on Saturday.

Sweden celebrated its sixth win in six games in Group A with a 4-0 victory over France in Stockholm. Also still undefeated are the Canadians, who thrashed Slovakia 7-0. Superstars Sidney Crosby (two goals and two assists), Nathan MacKinnon (two goals), and Macklin Celebrini (one goal, two assists) put their stamp on the game.

Sidney Crosby (left) is all smiles. © APA/afp / ANDERS WIKLUND

Finland also stayed on course for promotion with a 2-1 win over Latvia, Austria's final opponent on Tuesday. This means that the battle for the fourth quarter-final spot in Group A is now a three-way battle between Slovakia (7 points), Latvia (6), and Austria (5).

Cervenka hat trick for the Czech Republic

In Group B in Herning, the Czech Republic took the lead with an 8-1 victory over Kazakhstan. 39-year-old Roman Cervenka scored a hat trick in the decisive victory. The USA defeated Germany 6-3. The USA led 3-0 after the first period, but Germany equalized at 3-3 in the middle period. The Americans regained their lead in the final period and are now also on the verge of reaching the quarterfinals. Denmark beat Norway 6-3.