Finland overcame Olympic bronze medallists Switzerland 3-0 at Malmö Isstadion in the first quarter-final to progress to the semi-finals where they will face Olympic champions Canada.

Michelle Karvinen opened the scoring for the winners at 13:47, before Linda Välimäki and Rosa Lindstedt followed up with goals in third period, despite the efforts of Swiss goalie Florence Schelling, who was Most Valuable Player at Sochi 2014.

"We have a dream," said Finnish captain Jenni Hiirikoski.

"It's a medal."

Russia, meanwhile, defeated hosts Sweden 2-1, also at Malmö Isstadion, to go through to the semi-finals where they will go up against Olympic silver medallists the United States.

Home athlete Anna Borgqvist scored first in the second period before Iya Gavrilova equalised in the third.

It was all to play for but with just over five minutes left Olga Sosina scored the late winner for the Russians.

Russia edged hosts Sweden 2-1 to reach the semi-finals ©Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images



They now face a tough task, however, having never beaten the US in nine previous World Champion meetings.

Elsewhere, Japan battled back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Germany 3-2 in their first of three relegation games at Rosengårds Ishall.

It all seemed to be going so well for the Germans, with Marie Delabre scoring at 07:52 and 25:23, but Japan's Rui Ukita had other plans and scored just before the end of the second period.

Hanae Kubo then equalised for Japan in the third period, leaving Haruna Yoneyama to score the winner with 59 seconds left in overtime.

Tomorrow is a rest day, with the action continuing on Friday (April 3) when the US play Russia, and Canada take on Finland in the semi-finals at Malmö Isstadion.

Japan and Germany's best of three relegation series will also continue at Rosengårds Ishall.

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