No one could have predicted such a final before the start of the World Championship. For the first time in history, both Switzerland and the Czech Republic will meet in the decisive match of the world tournament. Before the championship, both teams were considered potential contenders for a top-four finish. It was plausible that, with favorable circumstances, one of them could reach the final, but both? Yet, both sides have earned this gold-medal clash. Switzerland had finished first in their group for two consecutive years prior, bringing strong rosters each time but falling in the quarterfinals. This year, their lineup is again solid, featuring several NHL players who are key contributors for their clubs. The “Crusaders” did not secure top spot in the group, but that might be a blessing in disguise. In the quarterfinals, they faced Germany, which had previously troubled the Alpine team, but this time they won not only convincingly on the scoreboard (3:1) but also in terms of gameplay. In the semifinals, they met Canada. The teams had already clashed in the group stage, with Switzerland losing 2:3 in a tight contest, partly due to Kevin Fiala’s ejection. This time, the Los Angeles Kings forward opened the scoring. Patrick Fischer’s squad started the match much more aggressively, taking a 2:0 lead, but couldn’t hold it. Victory came only in a shootout. Switzerland has never won gold at the World Championships before; this will be their third attempt.
The Czech Republic has won the World Championship six times in its modern history. However, their last success was in 2010, and since then they have not reached the final, though they have claimed bronze three times. Throughout the group stage, the Czech team appeared solid but was not considered a title contender. In pre-tournament betting odds, they were outside the top three. Just before the playoffs, Radim Rulík’s team received reinforcements from several NHL players, becoming a formidable force. Additionally, the support of a packed arena was a significant factor. In the quarterfinals, the Czechs faced the USA. The game was completely even, decided by a single goal—David Špaček’s shot took two deflections, and the puck slowly rolled into the net off Pavel Zacha. It was after that victory over the Americans that the Czech Republic believed in its strength and delivered an outstanding performance against one of the favorites, Sweden. The “Tre Kronor” started strong, with Marcus Johansson scoring in the fourth minute. Their joy was short-lived, as Dominik Kubalík equalized three minutes later. By the tenth minute, the score was 2:2. No further goals came in the first period. Sweden looked more solid, attacking and shooting more, while the Czechs relied on counterattacks. The match was effectively decided midway through the second period when the hosts scored three times in three minutes against Filip Gustavsson. The final score was 7:3 in favor of the Czechs, sending them to the final. Now, the bookmakers favor them.
Switzerland victory: from 3.00 (Liga Stavok) to 3.25 (Pari)
Czech Republic victory: from 2.07 (BetBoom) to 2.18 (Liga Stavok)
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