• Today at 4pm and 8.30pm in the Swedish city of Gothenburg the finalists of the U20 World Championship will be determined.
• In the first semi-final, hosts Sweden will face the surprising Czech Republic, while in the second semi-final Finland will fight for a place in the final against the United States.
• In the quarterfinals, the Czech Republic scored the winning goal late in regulation to beat defending champions Canada 3-2, sending the Canadians home.
• Sweden didn’t have an easy time in the quarter-finals either. He sowed a two-goal lead against Switzerland, breaking their extra-time resistance.
• The Czech Republic suffered two defeats in the group stage, finishing third in Group B, while Sweden finished top of Group A, losing their final match to Finland.
• Sweden last played in the U20 World Championship final in 2018, when they lost to Canada. The last title was won 12 years ago.
• A year ago they played in the final in the Czech Republic, losing to Canada. The Czechs became U20 world champions the only time twice at the beginning of the 21st century (in 2000 and 2001).
• In extra time, Finland also celebrated their quarter-final win, beating Slovakia, but the most convincing place in the semi-final was secured by the United States, who beat Latvia 7-2.
• The United States is currently the only team in the tournament to remain undefeated, having conceded just 11 goals in five matches.
• The United States last became world champions three years ago, when they won their fifth title by beating Canada. A year ago the Americans had to settle for bronze.
• The last time Finland played in the final was two years ago, but a year ago the national team failed to reach the semi-finals. This year we managed to improve the result obtained a year ago.
Semifinals of the U20 World Cup
Time Match result 16:00 Sweden – Czech Republic 20:30 USA – Finland
2024-01-04 09:15:29
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