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

The Matchday 12 clash in Group A of the 2025 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

Latvia emerged victorious against Slovakia in their last match, winning 5-1. The Latvians exchanged goals with their opponents in the first period, but in the second 20 minutes, the team scored three times, sealing the result. Haralds Egle and Toms Andersons each recorded two points. Latvia secured their third victory in the 2025 World Championship, and with 9 points, they occupy fourth place in Group A.

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

Austria

Austria managed to defeat Slovenia only in a shootout. In regular time, both teams scored twice, although Roger Bader's side significantly outshot the Slovenians 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 matches at the World Championship (2 in shootouts) and has climbed to 5th 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 matches at the World Championship.
• The team has not won after 60 minutes in 6 of their last 7 matches in this tournament (2 draws, 4 losses).
• In 6 of their last 8 games at the World Championship, 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 last playoff spot. Latvia holds the advantage, leading Austria by two points. Therefore, Harijs Vitolins' team would be satisfied even with a loss beyond regular time. However, the Latvians are unlikely to play with such a mindset. Latvia's class is higher, and they have a successful record against Austria, winning the last five head-to-head World Championship meetings (2 in overtime).

Considering the tournament standings, I expect a low-scoring encounter. The Latvians are unlikely to take risks, and a draw would suffice for them. Moreover, they have shown solid defense, conceding heavily only against Canada and Sweden. Harijs Vitolins' side will likely wait for opportunities to catch Austria on the counterattack. Additionally, Austria has not been prolific in attack, 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”