HALIFAX –
David Jiricek finished the game with 39 seconds remaining in allotment and Jiri Kulich scored in extra time on Wednesday as Czechia came back from behind to beat Sweden 2-1 and advance to the final of the hockey championship. world children.
Ludvig Jansson scored in the second half for Sweden, who looked set to advance to the gold medal match for the first time since 2018.
Jiricek brought Czechia to life when he hit a shot just outside the left-hand side of the box over Sweden goalkeeper Carl Lindbom as time ticked on.
Kulich sent Czechia into the tournament final when he crossed from the right and beat Lindbom 9:10 in extra time for a fifth goal of the tournament.
Tomas Suchanek made 21 saves for Czechia, while Lindbom saved 29 shots for Sweden.
Czechia advanced to the gold medal match for the first time since winning consecutive titles in 2000 and 2001.
The Czechs will next face hosts and defending champions Canada in Thursday’s final. Canada defeated the United States 6–2 in the other semi-final.
Earlier on Wednesday, Latvia beat Austria 4-2 to move past the best three relegation streak.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 4, 2023.
