Latvia sensationally defeated the USA at the World Championship and returned to the playoff race 0 10

The Latvian national team defeated the USA 4-2 in Zurich on Saturday in the fifth match of the group stage of the ice hockey World Championship.

After a heavy defeat to Finland, this game was essentially a must-win for the Latvian team. The victory not only allowed them to earn crucial points but also brought back the intrigue in the battle for a playoff spot.

The Latvians scored their first goal early in the match. After active play by Martins Dzierkals behind the opponent's net, the puck was received by Haralds Egle, who skillfully outplayed the American goalkeeper.

Latvia then had two consecutive power plays but was unable to extend their lead.

In the second period, the Americans equalized after Roberts Mamci's penalty. Matthew Tkachuk scored the goal during the power play.

However, the decisive segment of the match belonged to the Latvian team.

In the third period, Denis Smirnov put Latvia ahead again, and then the Americans pulled their goalie twice in an attempt to save the game. Sandis Vilmanis took advantage of this, scoring twice into the empty net.

The performance of goalkeeper Kristers Gudlevskis was particularly important, as he saved the team multiple times in difficult moments, including while shorthanded. He was named the best player of the game.

For Latvia, this victory could be a turning point in the tournament. After an unstable start to the championship and a painful defeat to Finland, the team managed to defeat one of the strongest opponents in the group.

Latvia now has six points after five matches. In Group A, Switzerland and Finland lead with 15 points, Austria has nine points, while the USA trails Latvia with five.

This means that the battle for a quarterfinal spot remains completely open for the Latvian national team.

The next match will be played on Sunday.