Sweden's U18 boys may have lost second place in Group B. After Sunday's loss to the Czech Republic on penalties, the Small Crowns slipped past the Czech Republic in the fight for second place behind Canada. The match ended 2-3 after penalties to the Czechs.

On Sunday afternoon, Sweden's U18 national team played its third match in the U18 World Cup 2024, where the Czech Republic was the opposition in a previously even match where the teams were likely playing for second place in Group B behind hitherto undefeated Canada, a place that Sweden had before the match. The dimes and the Czech Republic came into the meeting with three points each after a win and a loss in the first two rounds.

The first period was even and goalless for a long time. However, the Czech Republic got the first puck of the period on the power play with seven minutes left in the period. But the Czech forward kicked the puck in and after a Swedish “challenge”, the goal was ruled out. But the first period ended 0-0 and the shot statistics 8-7 to Sweden.

In the second period, the Czech Republic took a two-goal lead. Although Sweden shot more shots and had a slight advantage, it was the Czech Republic that scored twice. After six minutes Petr Sikora made it 0-1 and six minutes later the second for the Czechs came through Adam Jecho. The two Czech goals were high class with two fine shots. When the Czech Republic looked like going into the third period with Sweden got a very important goal before the end of the second period. Sweden kept the puck in the offensive zone after high pressure and Valter Lindberg got the puck a bit down in the zone before the Skellefteå forward hit a perfect pass to Victor Eklund who in turn was able to score 1-2 just before the break.

In the third period, Love Härenstam in the Swedish goal had to show his skill when the Czech Republic received a penalty with half the period played, after Viggo Gustafsson averted a free position. Härenstam saved the penalty and kept Sweden in the match, when the match was still 1-2. The Czechs were generally better in the third period, but Sweden still found an equaliser. In a power play, Alexander Zetterberg found the pass to Linus Eriksson, who scored 2-2 for Sweden with a direct shot.

The Swedish equaliser, of course, came at the right time for the Swedish part, and it got nervous at the end. But no more were scored during regular match time and the match went to extra time. Once there, it was goalless after a careless Swedish overtime and the match had to be decided on penalties.

The dimes missed their first two penalties and the Czech Republic scored on their first two, which was unfortunate for Sweden. However, Linus Eriksson scored a delicious penalty in penalty round three, but the Czech Republic also scored. Victor Eklund was then urged to score, which he did not do. The Czech Republic won 2-3 on penalties and took home the extra point, which could likely mean that the Czech Republic takes second place in Group B behind Canada.

Sweden's last group stage match is played on Tuesday against Switzerland in Group B. Sweden is currently on four points in the group behind the Czech Republic on five and Canada on six (one less game played at the time of writing). Switzerland is fourth on three points and Kazakhstan fifth on zero. The Czech Republic faces fellow countrymen Kazakhstan in their final group stage match tomorrow.

Sweden – Czech Republic, 2-3 e.str (0-0, 1-2, 1-0, 0-0, 0-1)

25:58 0-1 Petr Sikora (Maxmilian Curran)
32:38 0-2 Adam Jecho (Adam Titlbach)
39:31 1-2 Victor Eklund (Valter Lindberg)
53:47 2-2 Linus Eriksson (Alexander Zetterberg, Leo Sahlin Wallenius)
Decisive penalty 2-3 Adam Benak

Updated April 28, 2024