World Junior 2024-: Sweden avoids disaster against Switzerland

Switzerland gave host country Sweden a cold sweat in their World Junior Hockey Championship quarterfinal match on Tuesday.

It took an overtime goal on a power play from Axel Sandin Bjelica at 5:22 to secure a 3-2 win and save Sweden from elimination in front of their home fans.

Sandin Bjelica fired a wrist shot from long range that beat goalkeeper Alessio Biglieri whose vision was blocked by David Edstrom. Switzerland appeared to claim an obstruction to the goalkeeper during the sequence, but the goal was ultimately not reviewed.

Rodwin Dionisio received a penalty for the knockdown in the Swiss camp, which provided the numerical advantage that made the difference for the Swedes.

“To be honest with you, it was hard to accept and take in. It's really hard for us,” Mark Masters said. TSN Swiss General Director of Training Lars Weibel.

“It is difficult to lose on a penalty kick like that, in extra time, against such a good team. “Everyone is really disappointed,” he added.

“It's simply magical,” Swedish champion Sandin-Bjelica told Mark Masters. It's unbelievable to score this goal in this situation. We had a knife to our throat, but that was very convenient. »

Sweden will face the Czech team in the semi-finals. The Czechs stunned Canada earlier in the day. The other semifinal between the United States and Finland will be held on Thursday.

Sweden took control of the match and took a two-goal lead in the 20th minute, but was unable to maintain the momentum after that, as Switzerland was able to achieve an equalizer to tie the match and force extra time.

Otto Stenberg and Jonathan Lekirimaki gave Sweden the lead.

In the second half, Liam Ogren put Switzerland on the board for the first time.

Then, midway through the third period, Nick Meili scored the equalizer.

Hugo Havilid scored the win for Sweden, making 16 saves, while Biglieri stopped Switzerland with 30 shots.