Junior World Cup: Sweden Reaches Final After Thrilling Shootout with Finland
In a gripping contest at the Junior World Cup, Sweden triumphed over Finland in a dramatic shootout, securing a spot in the finals. The match ended 5-4 in favor of Sweden after an intense eight rounds of penalty shots.
Historic Victory for Sweden
Sweden’s win comes exactly one year after they were eliminated by the same team at the 2025 Junior World Cup semifinals. This victory allows Sweden to continue its quest for a gold medal, having not won since 2012.
Highlights of the Match
- Petteri Rimpinen, the Finnish goalkeeper, showcased resilience, making crucial saves during overtime despite shaky moments earlier.
- On the other end, Sweden’s Love Harenstam also proved instrumental in preventing goals, including thwarting a significant attempt from Roope Vesterinen.
- Matias Vanhanen was Finland’s standout in the shootout, converting the first attempt but could not maintain his scoring streak.
- Jack Berglund kept Sweden’s hopes alive, managing to score after five unsuccessful attempts against Rimpinen.
Key Moments
The excitement began early when Linus Eriksson of Sweden scored within the first minute of play. However, Finland quickly responded through Atte Joki, leveling the score. Sweden regained the lead with a goal from Ivar Stenberg after intermission.
Finland fought back, creating balanced scoring opportunities, ultimately forcing the game into overtime with a critical late goal by Joona Saarelainen.
Decisive Shootout
The shootout saw multiple missed opportunities from both sides until Anton Frondell finally broke the deadlock in the eighth round with a precise, low shot, sending Rimpinen’s hockey stick crashing against the post in disappointment.
This encounter marked the ninth consecutive one-goal finishing between the two fierce rivals, underscoring the intensity of their matches. Sweden will now prepare to face the winner of the semifinal between Canada and the Czech Republic, aiming to reclaim its title in the upcoming final.
