Estonia were in control of the even match against Slovakia and deservedly won with 7-2 (2-1, 2-1, 3-0). Now, Estonia will face host country Sweden in the quarter-finals.

It was an even first period between Estonia and Slovakia. The Estonians, who came in fourth place in group B, took charge of the game, but Slovakia, who won group C, still posed a threat. Both goalkeepers had good saves and all the scores in the first period were the results of mistakes. Slovakia’s Vaclav Komacka steered the ball into his own goal after eight minutes and when Komacka later lost the ball in front of his goal, Patrik Markus could score 2-0. Slovakia had time to even out the score before the end of the period after Estonia had lost the ball in front of their goal as well, and Roman Zeliezka scored 2-1.

Estonia played well early on in the second period and managed to score both 3-1 and 4-1. The Slovaks did not give up, however, and played evenly against the Estonians in the middle period. After a missed penalty shot, Slovakia got a chance in power play – and took it. Martin Kubovic scored 4-2 and the match came alive before the last period.

Slovakia did not manage to challenge Estonia, however, who continued to be in control, guarding their lead. Andreas Woiduma scored 5-2 in play four to four before Vladimir Nurmi and Mats Tame nailed the end results in the last minutes with 7-2.

Full match statistics here.

Photo: Calle Ström.