The Czech Republic and Switzerland were on the losing side in the semi-finals of the World Cup. This means that the USA and Canada will meet in the final on the night of Monday. The North American giants won the semi-finals with clear numbers.
The European challengers managed to pressure their opponents for a considerable period in the semi-finals, but then the class difference was clear. The USA got a puck in on the Czech Republic in the first period, while Switzerland held a clean sheet against Canada for 31 minutes.
For Canada, it was finally Sarah Fillier who broke the deadlock and she also made it 2-0 at the end of the second period. Switzerland could not recover from two behinds and Canada won 5–1.
– We stuck to our plan. We knew they would be strong and that they have a good goalkeeper. When we got the first goal, the game became more open and we created more chances, says Natalie Spooner to the IIHF after the match.
Canada will now make their 21st final in 22 World Cup tournaments. The only time the team missed the final was in Espoo 2019 when Finland won over the Maple Leafs in the semi-final.
The USA has played in every World Cup final since its inception in 1990. In the semi-final against the Czech Republic, they punctuated the match with five goals in the second period. In the end it was 9-1 to the USA.
“We are looking for the gold”
Canada has won the last two World Cup finals against the USA. The last time the Americans won a WC gold was in 2019 in the least controversial final in Espoo.
– We’re looking for the gold, it’s been a while since the last time, so we’re definitely hungry. USA vs. Canada is the biggest rivalry. You can expect a tough match and we are looking forward to it, says Cayla Barnes.
The final will be played during the night of Monday, while the bronze match is on the program late on Sunday evening. The Czech Republic has the bronze to defend – in the last championship they defeated Switzerland 4-2.
– Last year we surprised everyone so it will be more difficult to win the bronze match this time. It will be a different kind of challenge. We came here to win a medal and if it’s bronze, it counts, says Czech team captain Alena Mills.
Finland and Sweden play for fifth place starting at 5 p.m.
Results:
USA–Czech Republic 9–1 (1–0, 5–1, 3–0)
Canada–Switzerland 5–1 (0–0, 2–0, 3–1)
