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Finland's Arttu Välilä netted the winner at two minutes and eleven seconds of overtime as Finland engineered a remarkable four to three victory over the reigning two-time champion United States on Friday night in the world junior hockey last eight.

"Got to give credit to the United States," remarked Finland's leader A. Kiviharju. "That's a hell of a team, full of great players and a superbly organized team. But I said we wanted that payback from the previous final, and I think we truly deserved it tonight."

In the semi-finals on Sunday, Finland will face Sweden, while the Canadians will meet the Czech Republic. Sweden beat the Latvian side 6-3, Team Canada produced a five-goal first period in a 7-1 romp over the Slovakian team, and Czechia overcame the Swiss by a six to two margin.

Thrilling Final Frame and Extra Session

The Michigan State Spartan L. Ryker knotted the score for the United States with 1:33 remaining in regulation and the University of Notre Dame netminder Nick Kempf off for an extra attacker.

Lee Tuuva and Joona Saarelainen found the net in a 55-second burst in the third to hand their team a 2-1 advantage. He tied it at two-all with 7:17 left, then set up Saarelainen’s go-ahead goal with 6:22 remaining. J. Saarelainen also assisted on the first goal.

Notable Performances and Post-Game Comments

The Boston University blueliner Cole Hutson had a goal and an assist for the United States after being struck in the back of the head against Switzerland and missing the next two contests.

"In my opinion we executed well for most of the game," Hutson said. "But the small details that they got, a lot of their high-quality chances resulted from our errors."

His BU teammate C. Eiserman gave the U.S. a two to one lead on a man advantage with nine minutes and forty-five seconds remaining in the second period. He accepted a pass from Hutson and beat the Finnish goaltender with a quick shot from the right side.

Hutson scored on a fast break thirty-five seconds into the second. Heikki Ruohonen tied it at four minutes and forty-six seconds on a snap shot from the left wing.

Between the Pipes Summary

• Finland's goalie saved 28 shots.
• Kempf recorded 21 saves.

The Americans fell in their last two games – losing 6-3 to Sweden on Wednesday night in the final preliminary game – after starting with their first three.

"It has been an honor to lead this team," said the American bench boss. "They played a terrific game today and came up just short. Give the Finns. It's an empty feeling right now, but our guys left everything on the ice."

Additional Playoff Action

In the late game in the host city, the Canadian team overwhelmed Slovakia with the five-goal first.

C. Reschny, Tij Iginla, M. Misa, Sam O’Reilly and B. Martin tallied in the first period, and Porter Martone and Cole Beaudoin connected in the following period. J. Ivankovic made 21 saves.

"This demonstrates how powerful we are," Martin remarked. "Taking a 5-0 lead, it really saps their morale."

In the opening playoff game, Anton Frondell netted a pair for Team Sweden against Latvia. The defenseman L. Sahlin Wallenius had a goal and two assists to help the Swedes remain undefeated in their five outings.

Meanwhile, in Minneapolis Tomas Galvas, Samuel Drancak, A. Jiricek, Petr Sikora, J. Klima and J. Fibigr scored for the Czechs.

Relegation Match Result

Germany triumphed in the consolation match, beating Denmark 8-4. M. Schams had two goals to help Germany retain its place next year in the main event. The Danish side dropped to Division I-A.