KOSICE, Slovakia, May 8 (Reuters) - Sweden progressed to the world championship quarter-finals with a laboured 2-0 win over Switzerland on Sunday, a result that also secured a last eight place for group rivals the United States.
Mikael Backlund broke the Swiss resistance when he netted the opener 7:47 into the third period, before adding a second goal into an empty net with 32 second left.
"We were focussed on winning this game and qualifying for the quarter-finals," said Backlund. "This [win] makes it easier for playing tomorrow's game."
Sweden have 10 points from four matches, the same as Canada who top Group F. The top two play each other on Monday while the U.S., on seven points, take on Switzerland.
In Group E, holders Czech Republic overcame Russia 3-2 to make it four wins out of four in the qualifying round. Both sides had already qualified for the quarter-finals.
Jakub Voracek and Jaromir Jagr netted first period goals for the Czechs, who beat Russia 2-1 in last year's final, before Alexei Tereshenko replied in the middle of the second.
Tomas Plekanec found the back of Konstantin Barulin's net early in the third to restore the two-goal lead, with Danis Zaripov again replying for Russia.
In their final qualifying round matches on Monday, the Czechs take on Germany and Russia play Finland.
Mikael Backlund broke the Swiss resistance when he netted the opener 7:47 into the third period, before adding a second goal into an empty net with 32 second left.
"We were focussed on winning this game and qualifying for the quarter-finals," said Backlund. "This [win] makes it easier for playing tomorrow's game."
Sweden have 10 points from four matches, the same as Canada who top Group F. The top two play each other on Monday while the U.S., on seven points, take on Switzerland.
In Group E, holders Czech Republic overcame Russia 3-2 to make it four wins out of four in the qualifying round. Both sides had already qualified for the quarter-finals.
Jakub Voracek and Jaromir Jagr netted first period goals for the Czechs, who beat Russia 2-1 in last year's final, before Alexei Tereshenko replied in the middle of the second.
Tomas Plekanec found the back of Konstantin Barulin's net early in the third to restore the two-goal lead, with Danis Zaripov again replying for Russia.
In their final qualifying round matches on Monday, the Czechs take on Germany and Russia play Finland.
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