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Swedes to face Finland in ice hockey final

TT/The Local/gm
TT/The Local/gm - [email protected]
Swedes to face Finland in ice hockey final

Sweden reached its first ice hockey World Cup Final in ice hockey in five years on Saturday, following a comprehensive victory over the Czech Republic.

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The ” Three Crowns” will meet Finland in the final on Sunday after beating the reigning champions 5-2 in a thrilling semi-final on Friday. It was a particularly satisfying outcome for coach Pär Marts after the disappintment of four consecutive defeats at the semi final stage.

"I think we were in control right from the start, we deservedly won in style. I'm really pleased" said Marts to AFP.

In Sunday’s final in Bratislava the Swedes will meet old foes Finland who defeated Russia in the other semi yesterday. Sweden-Finalnd will be seen by many as a dream final and give the Finns a long awaited opportunity for revenge, following Sweden's victory in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, the last time the two sides met in a final.

To meet Sweden is always a bit special, even more so that it is in the final,” Finnish defender Pasi Puistola, who plays for Swedish side HV71, said to Expressen.

“Losing this match is not an option for us .”

Sweden reached the final after a hard-faught victory over the Czechs. They went behind early in the second period before gradually taking control of the game and storming into an unassailable 4-1 lead.

When the Czechs reduced the deficit late on, it was fitting that man-of-the-match Patrik Berglund scored the game's final goal.

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