Latvia vs Austria: prediction & betting odds May 20, 2025

The Matchday 12 clash in Group A of the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship between Latvia and Austria will take place on May 20 at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm. Latvia vs. Austria: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Latvia National Team

In their last match, Latvia emerged victorious over Slovakia with a score of 5-1. The Latvians exchanged goals with their opponents in the first period, but then scored three times in the second period, deciding the outcome. Haralds Egle and Toms Andersons each recorded two points. Latvia secured their third win in the 2025 World Championship and currently sits fourth in Group A with nine points.

• The team has not scored more than 3 goals in regular time in 9 of their last 12 World Championship matches.
• Latvia has not won after three periods in 7 of their last 10 games in this tournament (1 draw, 6 losses).
• At least 6 goals have been scored in regular time in 5 of Latvia's last 7 World Championship games.

Austria National Team

Austria managed to defeat Slovenia only in a shootout. In regular time, both teams scored twice, although Roger Bader's side significantly outshot Slovenia 33-16. Dominik Zwerger was the most effective player for the team with 1 goal and 1 assist. Austria has won 3 of their last 4 World Championship matches (2 in shootouts) and climbed to fifth place in the standings, just two points shy of the playoff zone.

Benedikt Oschgan has been called up to replace injured goaltender Atte Tolvanen.

• Austria has scored at least two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 8 World Championship matches.
• The team has not won after 60 minutes in 6 of their last 7 games in this tournament (2 draws, 4 losses).
• In 6 of their last 8 World Championship matches, the team has not conceded more than two goals after three periods.

Latvia vs. Austria: Match Prediction

The teams are battling in Group A for the final playoff spot, with Latvia holding a two-point advantage over Austria. Therefore, Harijs Vitolins' side can afford a loss beyond regular time. However, it's unlikely that the Latvians will play with this mindset. Latvia's class is higher, and they have been successful against Austria, winning five consecutive head-to-head matches at the World Championships (2 in overtime).

Given the standings, I expect a low-scoring match. The Latvians are unlikely to take risks as a draw would suffice. The team has been defensively solid, conceding heavily only against Canada and Sweden. Harijs Vitolins' side will likely wait for opportunities to catch Austria on the counterattack. Moreover, Austria has not been impressive offensively, scoring more than two goals in regular time only against France in the 2025 World Championship.

My prediction: Latvia will not lose and Total under 6.5 goals