Switzerland’s last group game is about creating a good starting position for the knockout phase. To do so, they need a win against the Czech Republic to secure second place in Group A behind Canada.
In the absence of Kevin Fiala, Andrea Glauser and Denis Malgin, the Swiss got off to a furious start. They immediately create good chances, but miss them in the person of Nico Hischier and Philipp Kurashev.
It is an intense, hard-fought game. There is a lot at stake for both teams. The Czech Republic only managed a few offensive actions, but took immediate advantage of one of them in the 16th minute. Janis Moser lost the disc in the middle zone and ex-Ambri striker Filip Chlapik shot the Czechs into the lead.
Shortly before the first break, Switzerland is playing with one man less. NHL star Tomas Hertl hits the post and in return Moser misses the empty net after a rebound from Czech goalkeeper Dostal.