The Czech Republic is ice hockey world champion for the 13th time. In the final on Sunday in Prague, the World Cup host defeated Switzerland 2-0 (0-0, 0-0, 2-0) with goals from superstar David Pastrnak (50th minute) and David Kämpf (60th). The Czechs last won the title in 2010 at the World Cup in Germany. The Swiss, including NHL pros Roman Josi and Kevin Fiala, must continue to wait for the long-awaited gold. After 2013 and 2018, the Swiss suffered their third final defeat in front of 17,413 spectators.
Sweden had previously won bronze with a 3:2 win in the match for third place against Canada. The Czechs’ power hockey, as in the 7:3 semi-final against Sweden, was rarely seen in the first 20 minutes. As in the 3:1 quarter-final against Germany and the semi-final victory against Canada, the Swiss defense was in top form. Coach Patrick Fischer’s team had the best opportunity to do so: a shot from Christoph Bertschy hit the post (17th minute). The Czechs also tried to put the Swiss team under pressure in the second period.
The defense around star defender Josi from the Nashville Predators held up well. Good scoring opportunities only came in the final phase. Led by Pastrnak from the Boston Bruins, the Czechs turned up the heat more and more. Kämpf failed to score on the outside post, his teammates on the Swiss keeper Leonardo Genoni. The 36-year-old goalkeeper was the Swiss’s great support throughout the tournament. The defense dominated on both sides in the group game when the Swiss won 2-1 after a penalty shootout. Pastrnak was still active in the NHL playoffs at the time.
In the final, the superstar made the difference: his shot landed in the net ten minutes before the end to make it 1-0. Switzerland tried everything not to lose their third World Cup final. Goalie Lukas Dostal saved his team from conceding a goal. Kämpf made the Czechs’ 13th World Cup triumph perfect a few seconds before the end.