Denmark qualifies for quarterfinals in shoot-out drama – 07.12.2016

Day 5 at the World Championships closed with the last 1/8 finals showdown between Latvia and Denmark. The Scandinavian team gained their fourth win 6-5 (2-1, 0-4, 3-0, 0-0, 1-0) and get to the quarterfinals against Finland.

Denmark won all three matches in Group C, so they were seemingly well-prepared to upset local supporters. Latvia started with two losses and with a spectacular 5-5 game versus Norway. The match started with an unlucky episode for the Latvian goalkeeper Andis Blinds when a ricochet from his back helped Denmark to get a 1-0 lead. It was not easy for the Latvians to unlock the Danish defense, even when playing 5-on-4. The Danish team attacked not so often, but were more productive. 4 minutes before the end of the 1st period Kenneth Danielsen scored the second goal. Latvia replied with only one goal from Janis Rajeckis.

Late goal in the 1st period gave relief to the Latvian players and made them feel more confident in period two. After the opponent´s penalty killing, Andris Rajeckis finally tied game. Only 19 seconds later Arturs Raitums made it 3-2 for Latvia. The Danes looked a little bit confused, so the Latvians continued doing it well and scored two more goals in the second period. Latvia totally dominated in this period.

Denmark had a very difficult mission because Latvia had excellent ball possesion in this game. Despite this fact, the Danes managed to score a goal early in the third period. The Scandinavian team did not have many chances to cut the Latvian lead. However when there was 5:49 left to play they disappointed the local crowd with a power-play goal. One minute later, Team Denmark achieved a great opportunity to make this game tied by having a 5-on-3 advantage. The Danes used this present from their opponents and they finally completed a come back. 5-5 and the match continued with extra time where both teams played with no risk. The last quarter-finalist were decided by a penalty shoot-out where the Danes were more skilful. Denmark needs to be prepared for a difficult quarterfinal versus Finland this Friday. Team Latvia will face Canada in classification match.