8:0 resounding victory

Switzerland, Canada and Sweden in the World Championship quarter-finals

Switzerland celebrates a resounding victory(Bild: AFP or licensors)

Switzerland underlined their ambitions at the Ice Hockey World Championships in the Czech Republic on Saturday with an 8:0 victory over Denmark and qualified for the quarter-finals in Austria Group A ahead of time.

The hosts are at the top of the table, at least for the time being, after beating Great Britain 4:1. World champions Canada beat Olympic champions Finland 5:3 and are also through to the knockout phase, as is Sweden in Group B in Ostrava after beating Latvia 7:2.

Switzerland, for whom Kevin Fiala of the Los Angeles Kings, among others, scored twice, is among the top eight teams at the World Championships for the seventh time in a row. The Canadians drew level with the Swiss on 14 points with their late victory against the Olympic champions - Brandon Hagel (52nd) and Dawson Mercer (60th/empty net) ensured the decision in the final third.

After the sixth World Championship game, Denmark are fifth in the table and have only a minimal chance of reaching the quarter-finals. The Scandinavians won their opening game against Austria 5:1, but are now one point behind the Finns with one more game played. The Czech Republic have also already booked their place in the quarter-finals, having beaten the British with ease.

In Pool B, Sweden, Switzerland and Canada celebrated their fifth win in their fifth World Championship match. Runners-up Germany beat newly promoted Poland 4:2 despite some problems and are therefore almost certain to reach the quarter-finals. Slovakia also have a good chance after beating France 4:2.