Finland qualify to semis foiling Sweden´s dream

The dramatic overtime victory of Lions over the archrival Sweden in the Steel Arena, Slovakia late Thursday night took Finland in the semi-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championship 2019.

The Sweden's reign in the World Championship ended Sakari Manninen scored at the second minute of the overtime of the match and ensured semi-finals with Russia after beating Sweden by 5 goals to 4.

News agency Xinhua adds: The traditional Nordic derby provided top-notch entertainment to a sold-out Steel arena in Kosice. Finland's team full of rising stars was down 1-3 and even 3-4 but both times they managed to rally against the stacked roster of the Swedes.

Marko Anttila's tying goal with 90 seconds left and the net emptied sent the crowd into overdrive and the fast-paced game into overtime at 4-4.

Team Finland kept their momentum from regulation time going and their efforts were rewarded 97 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime.

Sakari Manninen decided to go for a wrister on a fastbreak and his laser past Lundqvist's shoulder concluded the highlight-reel game at 5-4.

Finland secured a spot in the quarterfinals and crushed Sweden's hopes of completing the world championship hat trick. They will challenge the undefeated Russians in Bratislava on Saturday.