The US, who have won seven of the last nine titles, were involved in another high-scoring affair as they beat their Swiss opponents 8-5 at the Arena Metallurg in Magnitogorsk.

The American team looked to be coasting when they went 3-0 in front in the first period.

But sloppy defending allowed the Swiss back into the match and they came close to condemning the US to their second consecutive defeat.

"I’ve been in a few games like that, but not a tonne," said US coach Seth Appert. 

"We had a great start, obviously. 

"I thought we got a little sloppy and cheating on offense at the end of the first. 

"Then all of a sudden it’s 3-2 and the game got completely out of control for the rest of the second period. 

"We matured a little bit in the third, but we’re going to need to grow up in this tournament on our puck decisions and how risky we want to play."

Canada built on their 6-4 win over the US yesterday with their second straight victory as they defeated Belarus 8-3 at the same venue.

In Group B, Finland continued their impressive start to the tournament as they thrashed France 7-0 at the Traktor Ice Arena in Chelyabinsk.

Slovakia, beaten by Finland yesterday, recovered to beat the Czech Republic 5-2.