In an exhilarating semi-final match of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, Finland triumphed over Sweden with a score of 4-3, thanks to Benjamin Rautiainen's overtime goal with just 38 seconds remaining. The Finns will now compete for the gold medal against the winner of the U.S. vs. Czechia semi-final.
The match began with Otto Stenberg scoring for Sweden at 21 min 22 sec, assisted by Rasmus Bergqvist. Finland equalized with Emil Hemming's goal at 24 min 32 sec, assisted by Konsta Helenius and Topias Hynninen. Jesse Kiiskinen then scored for Finland at 33 min 28 sec, putting them ahead.
Stenberg struck again for Sweden at 38 min 7 sec with assists from Theo Lindstein and Felix Nilsson, but Finland equalized just before the first period ended, with Arttu Alasiurua finding the net at 39 min 39 sec.
The third period saw Wilhelm Hallquist score for Sweden at 51 min 32 sec, but the decisive moment came at 69 min 22 sec when Rautiainen, assisted by Helenius and Halttunen, scored the winning goal for Finland, securing their place in the finals and energizing the crowd.
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