Sweden won the decisive match against Slovakia (4–2) on Tuesday in Fribourg and took the last playoff spot as the fourth-placed team in the group. Now a move to Zurich and the host nation Switzerland awaits in a quarter-final on Thursday evening.
Tre Kronor can largely thank Djurgården goalkeeper Magnus Hellberg for the victory against Slovakia.
“Has been frustrating”
"I think the first few games I've played have been a bit frustrating. I feel like I've had more to give," says Magnus Hellberg, who was named SHL goalie of the year last season.
He got his chance against Canada in the World Cup opener (3–5) and then faced both the Czech Republic (3–4) and Italy (3–0). Against Denmark (6–2), Slovenia (6–0) and Norway (2–3), Chicago's Arvid Söderblom guarded the goal.
"Regardless of the crap I've gotten in the media, I've always believed in myself. For me, it was great to be able to prove, both to myself and to everyone else, that I like playing when it's hot and there's a lot of pressure."
Do you feel like you've been criticized in the media during the tournament?
"Yes, with all due respect. That's the way it is with this - you are vulnerable as a goalkeeper. Luckily I'm old and experienced. I know how quickly things can change," says the 35-year-old, who continues:
"If you're good, you're praised, and if things go wrong, you're questioned. I've never doubted myself or the group here for a second."
Edmonton's star defender Mattias Ekholm thinks the Slovakia match - effectively a round of 16 - was perfect to have before the quarterfinals. The 36-year-old believes that top nations Finland and Switzerland have not experienced the same pressure in the other World Cup group.
"Now we have felt what it is like to have a knife to the throat. Hopefully we can take advantage of that. It will be the first time for those we meet. They have both gone through the tournament quite easily," says Ekholm.
“Going for gold”
Magnus Hellberg played three group stage matches when Tre Kronor won their last World Cup gold in 2018. They defeated Switzerland 3–2 on penalties in Copenhagen.
Now he hands over the favorite status to the host nation, who are chasing their first World Cup gold in history.
"We've had a tough time in the group stage and may come into the playoffs as a bit of an underdog. But it feels like we're going for gold or nothing," says Hellberg.
Thursday, quarterfinals:
Finland–Czech Republic (4:20 p.m. in Zurich)
Canada–USA (4:20 p.m. in Fribourg)
Switzerland–Sweden (8:20 p.m. in Zurich)
Latvia–Norway (8:20 p.m. in Fribourg)
Semifinals will be played on Saturday and medal matches on Sunday - all matches in Zurich.
The highest ranked semifinal team will face the lowest ranked semifinal team. The second-best team will face the third-best team.
Rankings for the quarterfinals: 1) Switzerland, 2) Canada, 3) Finland, 4) Norway, 5) Czech Republic, 6) Latvia, 7) Sweden, 8) USA.
