Czechs will play for medals! The Americans were beaten by Pavel Zacha with a single goal

Czech hockey players will play in the semi-finals! Thanks to a single goal by previously unpopular player Pavel Zacha, the USA defeated Sweden 1:0 and can look forward to facing Sweden, who defeated Finland in overtime in the Battle of Northern Europe.

The last time the Czechs faced the USA was a year ago, when they were eliminated in the quarter-finals. This time, however, the chances of advancing were better, with a strengthened team going for a medal and the Americans needing to be beaten, just like in 2022.

There was one forced change in the line-up, Jakub Flek was unable to play. David Pastrňák had the opening chance of the game in the 9th minute, but his shot from the forecheck found only the opponent’s goalie’s mouth.

Pasta got the puck at 13:39, escaped the defense and drove alone on the U.S. goalie. He put the puck on the ground, but was unable to get an accurate shot off and the score was still 0:0. The Czechs were the much better team on the ice in the first period and their chances of advancing increased.

At the start of the second period Stránský and Tomášek tried to get the puck behind the goalie, but neither was successful. The Czechs were happy when they got a power play and Pavel Zacha took advantage of it and the puck bounced over the line.

And it could have been even better when Kaše found captain Červenka in a 2-on-1 situation and he hit the top bar. From then on, the Americans were more active and wanted to tie the game as soon as possible.

At 33:35 Pinto could have been celebrated, but he missed the goal from a hopeful situation. Shortly before the end of the second period, Dostal saved his goal after several attempts by the opponent.

Team USA also had a power play at the start of the third period and Gaudreau almost took advantage of it, but his goal was saved by a sacrifice save by defenseman Gudas. The Czechs also managed to make some good saves, but Palat was not able to bring the fans in the arena to their feet.

Pastrňák could have sent his team to the quarter-finals with five minutes to go, but he was not lucky this time either. The last minutes passed slowly and the Americans finally got the puck in the net, but the score remained unchanged because of the player in the crease.

The Czechs managed to secure the victory and can look forward to the medal fight. In the semi-finals they will play Sweden, who went on to beat Finland in overtime.

Source: World Cup of Hockey