The parallels to the quarter-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland are set. Switzerland meets the USA in Helsinki.

The group stage of the Ice Hockey World Championship in Finland has ended. The following quarter-final pairing will take place on Thursday:

• Switzerland – USA, Helsinki at 19:20 (live on SRF zwei and Sport App)

As group winners, Switzerland are paper favorites against the Americans, who have been mixed in this tournament so far. The win against Sweden was gratifying. But there were defeats against Finland and the Czech Republic. Austria only lost after extra time.

• Sweden v Canada at 15:20

As at the Olympic Games in February, the two ice hockey legends will meet in the quarterfinals. In Beijing, Sweden won 2-0 with two goals in the last 10 minutes and lost to Russia in the semifinals.

• Finland v Slovakia at 19:20

Olympic champion vs. Olympic bronze medalist: Despite the exciting start, it will be surprising that Finland advances in its own World Cup. Coach Juca Jallon’s team only lost to Sweden in the group stage and only on penalties.

• Germany – Czech Republic, Helsinki 15:20

After participating in the semi-finals last year, the Germans have a tricky task ahead of them. The Czech Republic lost to Finland in the quarter-final dress rehearsal, Tony Söderholm’s team takes a point from unbeaten Switzerland. Czech Lakers forward Roman Cervanka is second in the list of World Cup goalscorers (3 goals, 8 assists) after Denis Malkin.