The Ice Hockey World Championship's big banging nation, which knocked out Tre Kronor in the quarterfinals, was eliminated against Canada in the semifinals. Latvia led 1-0 and 2-1, and the Latvian fans in the stadium in Tampere smelled a historic World Cup final.
"It's unbelievable. Listen, says SVT's commentator Chris Härenstam after the first goal cheer.
But at the beginning of the third period, ice hockey's giant nation caught up and passed. 45 seconds had been played when Jack Quinn cunningly walled in 2–2 via the back of Arturs Silov's helmet.
– It's so neat, he has nothing to shoot at but it's a perfect shot, says SVT's expert Jonas Andersson.
Super goals
Then Adam Fantilli, 18, accounted for the semi-final performance. The forward, who will be drafted to the NHL this summer, completely fingered away Ralfs Freiberg's twice over and pushed in the 3-2 lead goal.
"It's absolutely outstanding, he shows why he's tipped to go so early in the draft," Andersson said.
Latvia failed to respond, and in the final seconds Scott Laughton closed the semis when he put in 4–2 in the open box.
Canada will face either Germany or the United States in the World Cup final tomorrow. Latvia, which has never been to the semi-finals before, plays the bronze medal match against the other semi-final losers tomorrow.