Finland reached to the semi-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championship 2017 after beating the United States by two goals to nil in Cologne, Germany on Thursday.

Mikko Rintanen and Joonas Kemppainen scored one goal each for the Lions to clinch the victory after dominating the match.

From the beginning of the match, both teams circled around the other waiting for mistakes to take advantage of and establish an early lead, said IIHF in its match report.

Finland’s two best chances came as Jani Lajunen tipped a Juuso Hietanen shot that hit the post. Later in the period, an errant pass in the offensive zone by Anders Lee was intercepted by Juhamatti Aaltonen who skated in on a breakaway. The USA, however, did not look as sharp at the start, although they showed excellent performance in the preliminary round.

Finland showed some solid puck movements but generated few real or dangerous chances.

Finland took the 1-0 lead on their second power play of the game and later Mikko Rantanen scored to increase the difference after receiving a pass from Sebastian Aho. Veli-Martti Savinainen’s shot was saved but Rantanen, who was alone in front, took the rebound and scored.

Finland will face their archrival neighbouring Sweden on Saturday in the semi-finals. Sweden reached to semi after beating Switzerland by 3-0 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Canada and Russia will face each other in the remaining semi-final. Canada beat Germany by 2-1 while Russia beat Czech Republic by 3-0 in their respective quarter-finals match.