2025 Worlds Quarterfinals Recap: Finland Holds Off Sweden, Canada Cruises Past Japan
Finland outlasted Sweden and Canada dominated Japan to set up semifinal Saturday at the 2025 Women’s Worlds.
In a thrilling quarterfinal matchup at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship in České Budějovice, Finland edged out Sweden 3–2, advancing to the semifinals and continuing their pursuit of a medal. Meanwhile, Canada delivered a commanding 9–1 victory over Japan, securing their spot in the next round.
Finland 3, Sweden 2 – Nordic Rivals Battle to the Wire
Jenniina Nylund opened the scoring for Finland midway through the first, finding space in the left circle and snapping the puck past Emma Söderberg. Ronja Savolainen doubled the lead late in the period with a seeing-eye point shot, giving Finland a 2–0 edge after 20 minutes.
Sweden came out with fire in the second. Ebba Hedqvist struck just 50 seconds in, and Josefin Bouveng tied the game less than five minutes later with a clinical finish off the rush. It felt like the tide had turned, but Tapani had other ideas.
At 11:46 of the middle frame, the Finnish star cleaned up a juicy rebound off an Elisa Holopainen shot, slotting it past Söderberg to put Finland back on top for good.
Since you probably weren't awake, here is Susanna Tapani's game winner for Finland. Finland beat Sweden 3-2 in the #WomensWorlds quarter-finals to advance. pic.twitter.com/nnhkIIC09b
— The Hockey News - Women’s (@TheHockeyNewsW) April 17, 2025
Despite Sweden's efforts, including a shorthanded breakaway by Hanna Thuvik, Finnish goalie Sanni Ahola stood firm, making 10 saves to preserve the lead. Finland outshot Sweden 25–12, showcasing a dominant performance to advance to the semifinals.
Canada 9, Japan 1 – Offensive Explosion from Start to Finish
If there was any doubt about Canada’s readiness for the knockout round, they erased it quickly.
Claire Thompson opened the scoring at 13:42 of the first, and Jennifer Gardiner followed with her first of two goals to give Canada a 2–0 lead before the intermission. Japan answered early in the second with a historic goal from Mei Miura, their first ever against Canada at Women’s Worlds, but it was the only bright spot in an otherwise lopsided contest.
HISTORY FOR JAPAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY 🇯🇵
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 17, 2025
Mei Miura scores Japan’s first goal against Canada at the #WomensWorlds 🚨
(via @TSN_Sports) pic.twitter.com/luNzgLouBN
From there, Canada unleashed a flurry. Ella Shelton, Sarah Fillier (twice), and Julia Gosling all scored in a second-period onslaught. Gardiner, Emily Clark, and Sophie Jaques added three more in the third, bringing the final tally to 9–1.
Kristen Campbell picked up the win in net for Canada, who outshot Japan 46–11. The Canadians got points from 14 different skaters in a true team performance, with Renata Fast notching three assists.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Saturday
With Canada and Finland advancing, the 2025 Women’s Worlds semifinals are locked in for Saturday, April 19 in České Budějovice:
🇺🇸 USA vs. 🇨🇿Czechia – 15:00 local | 9:00 a.m. ET
🍁 Canada vs. 🇫🇮Finland – 19:00 local | 1:00 p.m. ET
Both matchups promise drama, skill, and serious medal implications. Will Czechia find redemption after missing the podium in 2024? Can Finland medal in back to back years? And are we headed for another North American showdown in the gold medal game?
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