In a day of dramatic upsets and dominant performances at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, co-hosts Denmark shocked the hockey world by eliminating powerhouse Canada, while Sweden dispatched defending champions Czechia to secure their place in the semifinals.
🇩🇰 Denmark’s Historic Upset Over Canada
In what is being hailed as one of the greatest upsets in IIHF World Championship history, Denmark defeated Canada 2–1 in the quarterfinals in Herning. Trailing 1–0 late in the third period, Denmark’s Nikolaj Ehlers scored the equalizer in the 58th minute. Just 48 seconds before the end of regulation, Nick Olesen netted the game-winning goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and Denmark into their first-ever semifinal appearance.
“It’s completely surreal. I’m in a bubble right now, it feels like a dream,” said Danish captain Jesper Jensen Aabo. “We’ve beaten, in my opinion, the best national team in the world.”
Goaltender Frederik Dichow was instrumental in the victory, stopping 39 of 40 shots to keep Denmark in the game.
🇸🇪 Sweden’s Dominant Performance Against Czechia
In Stockholm, Sweden avenged last year’s semifinal loss to Czechia with a commanding 5–2 victory. The Swedes established control early, scoring three goals in the final eight minutes of the first period. Czechia
Lucas Raymond and Leo Carlsson each scored twice, leading the offensive charge for Sweden. The win propels Sweden into the semifinals, where they will face Team USA.
“I don’t know what happened,” lamented Czech defenseman Filip Hronek. “After the first period, it was 3-0. It’s hard to come back from that against a team like this.”
Semifinal Matchups Set
The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm
- Denmark vs. Switzerland
- Sweden vs. USA
Denmark will look to continue their Cinderella run against a strong Swiss team, while Sweden aims to leverage home-ice advantage against the Americans.
As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate whether Denmark can continue their historic run and if Sweden can capitalize on their momentum to reach the finals.
