Czech U18 hockey team advances to World Championship semi-finals

The Czech under-18 ice hockey team defeated Finland 2–1 in the World Championship quarter-finals, reaching the medal stage for the first time in four years.

The game in Bratislava was decided late in the second period by defenceman Tadeáš Cífka, who scored his first goal of the season. Goaltender Martin Psohlavec played a key role with 35 saves.

The Czech team will next face Sweden in Friday’s semi-final in Trenčín. They previously beat the silver medal holders 2–1 in the group stage.