adam-williams/&source=gmail&ust=1746869610119000&usg=AOvVaw1o8om7ts03Ks8JDG5Ik8F1" href="https://legalbet.uk/expert/adam-williams/" target="_blank">Adam Williams presents his prediction for the IIHF World Championship match.
For Latvia, the opening game of the tournament is an opportunity to reaffirm that their 2023 bronze medal was no fluke. Their opponents, France, are one of the weaker sides in the elite division and primarily focused on retaining their top-tier status. While the Latvians eye a confident start to their campaign, the French are simply hoping to stay afloat — though realistically, their chances look limited.
France
France come into the World Championship as one of the tournament underdogs. They finished 7th in their group last year and avoided relegation only by beating Poland. Their only NHL-level player is Alexandre Texier, who joined up with the squad following the St. Louis Blues’ early playoff elimination. The rest of the roster is made up of players from lower-tier leagues in France, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. In their last seven matches, France managed just one win — against an equally struggling Norway.
Latvia
Latvia, by contrast, are organised, experienced and technically superior. The likes of Kaspars Daugaviņš, Eduards Tralmaks, Rudolfs Balcers and Janis Jaks bring valuable international pedigree, with appearances at previous World Championships and stints in Europe’s top leagues. Latvia enjoyed a solid build-up to the tournament, winning five of their last eight, including games against Switzerland and Finland. They’ve also beaten France in their two most recent meetings, including a convincing 5:2 win in Olympic qualification.
France vs Latvia Prediction
Latvia possess the structure, the depth, and the quality to dominate this fixture. France, with their depleted squad, are unlikely to keep up. Expect a comfortable regulation win for the Latvians.
