In Riga, Latvia, Canada is reaching its 39th final in the Ice Hockey World Cup.

In the semifinals, the hockey giant won against neighboring USA 4–2.

Canada, who started the World Cup with three group stage losses and were dependent on results to advance to the playoffs, took the lead immediately.

After just over two minutes of play, Brandon Pirri put in 1-0 after American goalkeeper Cal Petersen released a return on Sean Walker's shot.

- You notice that Canada has scouted Petersen.

He has a very narrow basic position, it takes longer for him to get down in a so-called butterfly, when you sit on your knees.

This makes him a little stressed and can not come down as calmly and methodically, says SVT Sports expert Kim Martin Hasson.

At the end of the opening period, the USA equalized, Colin Blackwell steered the puck between the leg guards on Darcy Kuemper in the Canadian box office.

But at the beginning of the mid-period, Canada regained the upper hand.

"Tournament MVP"

Calgary's Andrew Mangiapiane, who joined halfway into the group stage after the Flames' postponed regular season matches were decided, tore the puck to himself and after a bit of a stir, the forward was able to poke in 2-1.

His sixth goal and tenth point in the World Cup.

- Since he entered Canada, the whole tournament has changed.

The goal is a delicacy, an offensive tackle almost in football manner when he turns away and gets position.

He is the tournament's MVP, says SVT Sports expert Jonas Andersson.

Then Mangiapiane scored his seventh World Cup goal, and Canada his third in the semis.

Connor Brown unleashed a swerving effort from the right that the visitors' keeper did well to tip wide.

And 3-1 Canada.

- It is easy to score goals with good chain mates, we fight together, says Andrew Mangiapiane to SVT during the period break.

At the beginning of the third period, Sasha Chmelevski reduced.

And in the final minutes, the USA picked the goalkeeper, but it did not give a draw.

Instead, Justin Danforth made it 4-2 in the open box.

In the World Cup final, either the reigning champion team Finland or Germany awaits.