Switzerland also wins against the USA at the Ice Hockey World Championship

(sda) Switzerland won its second victory in the third group match at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Denmark. Patrick Fischer's team beat the USA 3-0 after a strong performance.

Damien Riat (13th) and Jonas Siegenthaler (16th) gave Switzerland a 2-0 lead in the first period. After that, they were rarely under pressure, even hitting the post three times. In the 52nd minute, Dean Kukan sealed the victory with a deflected long-range shot. Leonardo Genoni blocked 23 shots for his shutout. Switzerland will face Germany in their fourth game on Thursday.

The Americans, who hadn't conceded a goal in their first two games (5-0 against Denmark, 6-0 against Hungary), had very few good scoring opportunities, mostly in the opening period before the Swiss opened the scoring. Damien Riat and Simon Knack put a lot of pressure on the goal of Swiss-American Joey Daccord before the opening goal. Riat then flicked the puck over the net. Siegenthaler's second goal was also a hidden shot from the blue line. Kevin Fiala picked up his first assist.

The Los Angeles Lakers striker arrived in Herning on Sunday evening and made a convincing debut. He repeatedly demonstrated his athleticism and technical prowess, even though coordination with his linemates Nico Hischier and Tyler Moy wasn't always optimal. Coach Patrick Fischer immediately promoted the last World Cup MVP to the starting lineup, despite the short adjustment period.

From the second period onwards, the Swiss had everything under control, even if they had to wait a while for the third goal that would have secured the win. Even the absence of injured defender Christian Marti didn't have a negative impact. With the victory against what was supposedly the strongest opponent after the Czechs in their opening game (4:5 after overtime), Patrick Fischer's players have secured a clear chance of one of the top two spots.

Against the USA, the Swiss managed only their third shutout, the last one being in the semi-final of the 2013 World Cup – also with a 3-0 win.

More to follow.