Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship match.
Sweden U-20
Sweden repeat their usual way. They play perfectly in the group stage but face various problems in the play-offs. Sweden was playing better in the game versus Switzerland. However, they only managed to score a decisive goal in overtime playing in power play. Czechia are the next opponent and they have been improving in the course of the tournament. Bookmakers believe in the championship host, but Czechia can be a real problem for Sweden.
Czechia U-20
Czechia started the tournament with a defeat (2:6) in the game versus Slovakia. However, the Czech side was improving after that, beating Norway (8:1), Switzerland (4:2), managing to take a point away from the US (3:4 on shoot-out). Canada were their opponents in the quarter-final. That was a tough game. It was supposed to end in overtime. However, Czechia managed to score a goal with 11 seconds remaining before the end of the game. There’s no pressure on Czechia so it’s going to be easier for them to play.
Sweden U-20 – Czechia U-20 prediction
As it was expected, Sweden faced serious problems in the first play-off round, beating Switzerland only in overtime (3:2). Now their opponent is Czechia that beat Canada in the previous stage (3:2). Czechia are a stronger opponent compared to Switzerland. I don’t think that it’s going to be an easy win for Sweden.
