“Latvia Secures Playoff Spot with Dramatic Win over Switzerland at Hockey World Cup 2023”

The victory of the Latvians over the hitherto 100 percent Swiss also decided the opponent of the Czech hockey players in the elimination battles. It will be the selection of the United States of America, which dominated Group A in Tampere without defeat.

The Latvians played a big drama against the Swiss after a goalless first period, in which they led twice, but then conceded a goal in the 54th minute to make it 2:3. At that moment, the Slovaks were celebrating. However, captain Kaspars Daugavinš equalized 70 seconds later. In extra time, another Rudolfs Balcers striker decided in the power play, who also scored two assists in the duel.

The Swiss saved some supports and started with only eleven attackers. The excited Latvians showed their determination right from the start and were more active both in terms of play and shooting, but Abols did not succeed in their chances. In the 13th minute, on the other hand, the Swiss locked their opponent in front of goalkeeper Šilovs for a long time, but the situation did not change.

At the start of the second period, Freibergs swept the upper corner of the goal with a shot from the blue line – also thanks to the obscured view of goalkeeper Van Pottelberghe – and celebrated the first World Cup goal in his career. Rihards Bukarts was pressured by Marti on the edge of the goal area, the Swiss resorted to a coach’s call due to his contact with the goalkeeper, but the goal was also confirmed by the video referees’ check.

The Latvians didn’t use the five-on-three power play for more than half a minute, and it must have been all the more regrettable when, in the 27th minute, he headed right after Fiala’s goal. Only 32 seconds had passed and Abols gave the Latvians a narrow lead, although the puck slipped off his stick as he tried to finish from close range. Soon after, the Swiss captain Haas had another quick answer on his stick, but Šilovs brilliantly covered the bluff into the backhand.

At the beginning of the third part, he missed from a good position during a completed power play by Ambühl. In the 45th minute, Jaks weakened the home team again and the Latvians paid for his foul. At the moment when he was already rushing to help his teammates in the defensive zone, Zile’s attempt from Riat landed on Miranda’s leg and the puck ended up in the goal.

In the 49th minute, Ločmelis, under pressure, made his way to the end, but his attempt was stopped by the crossbar. This was the start of an extremely exciting finish, during which the Slovaks, waiting for the result, experienced an emotional rollercoaster ride alongside the Latvians and their supporters.

In the 54th minute, Ambühl got a taste for himself, charging Fiala into an ideal position. Striker Corvi scored the third pass in the match. At that moment, Slovakia advanced to the playoffs.

But after Glauser’s mistake in blocking on the red line, the home team got into a two-on-one outnumbering, at the end of which Abols encouraged Daugavinš to score and he did not hesitate – 3:3. At the end of regular time, the Swiss still had chances to extend their winning streak, but they did not convert them.

In overtime, Richard fouled and Balcers cheered Latvians. At the World Cup, they defeated the Swiss after eight years, in 2015 they also celebrated thanks to a goal in extra time.