After countless group stage matches and placement games, there was only one final destination left for the tournament – the final. Sweden and Finland were the teams battling for the world championship title. With everything at stake, this match could easily be considered a true rivalry between two well-known teams.
The match started at a high pace, with tremendous support from the crowd, eager to help their respective teams claim victory. The Swedish team, dressed in their yellow kits, immediately tested the Finnish goalkeeper. After several chances, however, the goalkeeper, along with the tight Finnish defense, ensured that the match remained goalless. But after a long ball played from Sweden’s own corner, Albin Sjögren managed to control it and break the deadlock, making it 1-0. The sea of yellow erupted in celebration as Sjögren quickly made his way over to join them, sharing the joy of the first goal of the final. Eventually, the home crowd had another reason to cheer when a ball recovery high up on Finland’s half led to another opportunity, which resulted in another Swedish goal.
Finland kept working hard but was hindered in their efforts to reduce the score due to a penalty. Sweden’s powerplay was effective, giving them a 3-0 lead, and the yellow players celebrated once again.
Suddenly, it was Finland’s turn for a powerplay advantage. Despite a strong defence and a phenomenal performance from the Swedish goalkeeper, Finland couldn’t capitalize on several dangerous chances. After a highly eventful first period, the score stood at 3-0 as both teams headed into the break.
When the second period began, the crowd truly showed themselves as a sixth player on the field, with every play on the ice sparking new chants and cheers. Finland came out with renewed energy, controlling possession and creating constant threats on goal. Like in the first period, the way to the net remained difficult, with Sweden’s goalkeeper, Jon Hedlund, continuing his solid performance. Sweden, however, was still making the most of their chances and, five minutes into the second period, extended their lead to 4-0.
After a Finnish counterattack, the ball finally slipped past the talented Swedish goalkeeper, and Finland reduced the score to 4-1. Finland then successfully defended against a Swedish powerplay, keeping the score at 4-1 until it was their turn for a powerplay. That’s when Justus Kainulainen stepped up, and after several close calls, he fired in a goal to make it 4-2. The result kept the match’s intensity high.
The third period began with Finland playing five-on-four, and this advantage quickly paid off. With a powerful shot into the top corner, Finland made an impressive comeback, now only one goal away from equalizing. The two teams continued to provide an entertaining and dramatic match, true to the spirit of a final. Finland pressed on, hunting for the equalizer, while Sweden, by the smallest of margins, managed to defend their lead. After some hard work, Finland finally completed their comeback and scored the equalizer, making it 4-4 in a match whose tension seemed to never end. The score brought a more cautious style of play, as both teams did everything they could to avoid mistakes that might give their opponent an advantage. After several thrilling sequences, the match moved into overtime, where its fate would be decided.
The overtime didn’t disappoint the traveling fans either, as both teams created dangerous chances. But with two outstanding goalkeepers, the match stayed alive. Eventually, the ball ended up in Sweden’s half but in Finnish hands. It was carried along the left wing and then played diagonally across to the far post, where Miska Makinen was waiting. The ball rolled toward the goal in what felt like slow motion, and despite everyone’s efforts to clear it, it landed perfectly for a clinical finish. With a composed strike from Makinen, the ball sailed into the net, and the Finnish players erupted in celebration. The ball had gone in, and Finland was crowned world champions. Finnish captain, Nico Salo, describes the feeling as truly special.
– It is definitely one of the most amazing feelings to be a world champion and I am very proud of our team. We had a tough start but stayed strong and had a huge comeback.
