Latvia sensationally beat Sweden 3-1 to clinch 1/2 final spot

Latvia stunned Sweden 3-1 at the 2023 IIHF World Championship on Thursday night and will play in the 1/2 finals in Tampere.

HISTORY MADE!@lhf_lv defeats @Trekronorse to punch their ticket to the #IIHFWorlds semi-finals!

Game Story: https://t.co/4SNVeWnt9G pic.twitter.com/KLHUmMkUks

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 25, 2023

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Sweden started the game strongly as they were more aggressive and more persistent. But against the run of play it was the Latvians, who broke the deadlock midway through the first period with Dans Locmelis excellent strike.

Sweden continued dominating and early in the second period they managed to draw the score level through Timothy Liljegren.

In the third period Latvia struck twice with Miks Indrasis and Janis Jaks to sink Sweden hopes and send the home crowd into ecstasy.

It was their first win over Sweden in 17 games, the last victory dating back to 2009.  They will be looking to keep the momentum and strike a surprise once again in the 1/2 finals.