Switzerland makes a comeback against Russia
The quarter-finals started with as much drama as one could wish, as Switzerland beat Russia 3-2 in extra time – despite a 3-2 deficit in the third period.
Russia would start the goal early as Yelizaveta Rodnova scored in the first third at 1:18. Ilona Markova would extend the team’s lead at 8:32 am, which seemed to be crucial for most of the competition.
The Russians would continue to put pressure on the 3-0, but Saskia Mauer closed the door well for Switzerland. In the third, Switzerland would fight back with the goal of Evelina Raselli at 49:30 to start the comeback.
The door for the Swiss would open after Russia’s Landysh Falyakhova scored a late-game penalty. At 57:44 the Swiss urge to send the game into overtime would be complete, as Phoebe Staenz’s power play goal would lead to the 2-2 game.
Russia began to become desperate, but unfortunately it was not enough for them. Laura Zimmerman would score 65:29 to end things for Switzerland, get them into the last four and into the medal fight.
Americans dominate against Japan
With a strong 10-2 win over Japan, the USA have once again shown why they are among the favorites.
The Americans would start early as Alex Carpenter would score at 3:10. Just 31 seconds later, Hilary Knight would strike to give the USA an early 2-0 lead. Japan would have an answer thanks to Akane Shiga at 10:58 a.m. – Japan’s first goal against the USA in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
The offensive performance in the first game would be far from over for the USA, as they would score three more goals thanks to Grace Zumwinkle, Carpenter and Megan Keller.
Akane Shiga would score her second goal of the game for Japan to reduce the deficit to 5-2 to end an initial seven-goal period, but this was the last time Japan could celebrate.
Brianna Decker and Caroline Harvey made the 7-2 in the second period and Zumwinkle, Knight and Dani Cameranesi scored in the final verse to end the biggest American win of the tournament.
Canada has no problem defeating Germany
Canada’s dominance over Germany has never been in question, as the heavily favored squad made it into the next round with a 7-0 win.
After just over a minute in the first period, Ashton Bell scored her first goal of the tournament at 1:29. Two minutes later, Natalie Spooner beat Franziska Albl to double the goal and Brianne Jenner finished the quarter 3-0.
In the second, Spooner added her second place with 28:01, while Marie-Phillip Poulin scored 5-0 shortly afterwards. Melodie Daoust and Sarah Fillier added goals in the third to top it off.
Finland keeps beating the Czech Republic
After a tough preliminary round for the reigning silver medalists, Finland would advance with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Sanni Vanhanen was the only goalscorer with 35:01, while Anni Keisala held on for the shutout.
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Three stars:
1) Saskia Maurer, G (SUI): The Swiss woman kept her 28-save performance in this game as ROC pressed on to extend her 2-0 lead.
2) Melody Daoust, F (CAN): Daoust had one goal and two assists in a strong performance for the striker.
3) Hilary Knight, F (USA): A three-point night for Knight in a game where she overtook Cammi Granato for the most points from an American player in the world.
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Semi-final schedule (Mon, August 29)
USA vs. Finland – 3:00 p.m. ET
Canada vs. Switzerland – 7:00 p.m. ET
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