Lundell hero as Lions bag 4th victory in row

A last moment goal by Anton Lundell in the extra time ensured the fourth consecutive victory for Finland against Latvia in the Ice Hockey World Championship 2021 at Arena Riga in Latvia late Sunday night.

The tough group B match between the defending world champion Finland and host Latvia ended with 2-2 draw as a result the match went to extra time.

Lundell took a pass from Olli Maatta and made the perfect finishing just four seconds before ending the extra time play resulting the 3-2 victory for the Finns.

Earlier, Finland started the match with an early goal after Saku Maenalanen scored at the fourth minute in the first period.

After the goal the Latvians made a comeback and both the teams built up a strong competition through attacks and counter attacks and at the 19^th minute Martins Dzierkals leveled the score beating the Finnish goaltender.

Finland took lead of the match again after Iiro Pakarinen netted in Latvian post at the 36^th minutes in second period. But Latvian became desperate after consuming the goal and Martins Dzierkals leveled the score again at the 54^th minute in third period leading the match 2-2 draw in the schedule time.

The Finns completely dominated in the extra time over the Latvians and finally ensured the victory when Lundell scored just four second before the end of the extra time.

With this victory Finland upheld its leading position in the Group B with 15 points followed by the USA (12 points), Kazakhstan (10 points), Germany, Latvia and Canada with nine points each.

Earlier, in five previous matches, Finland scored victory against the USA, Norway, Italy and Germany while lost to Kazakhistan in penalty shoutout.

Finland will face Canada in their last group match on Tuesday