Sweden U20 vs Finland U20: prediction & betting odds January 4, 2025

The semi-final match of the 2025 World Junior Championship between Sweden and Finland will take place on January 5 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Sweden vs. Finland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Sweden National Team

In the quarter-finals, Sweden defeated Latvia 3-2, securing their place in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time at the World Junior Championship. Early in the first period, the Swedish team established a three-goal lead but conceded twice from just 13 shots on goal from their opponents. Notably, Sweden outshot Latvia by almost four times. In the current World Junior Championship, the Swedes have won all their matches in regular time. Axel Sandin-Pellikka remains the team's top scorer (4+5).

• Sweden has won by at least a two-goal margin in regulation time in 4 of their last 5 matches at the current World Junior Championship.
• At least six goals have been scored in 60 minutes in 6 of Sweden's last 7 games in this tournament.
• Sweden has scored at least four goals in regular time in 4 of their last 5 matches at the World Junior Championship.

Finland National Team

Finland defeated Slovakia 5-3 in the quarter-finals of the World Junior Championship. Finland's intent was evident from the first period, where they scored three goals, although they were outshot by their opponents by a two-to-one margin. Jesse Nurmi (2+1) was Finland's top scorer in the quarter-final match. The team's leader remains Jesse Kiiskinen (4+1). Notably, Finland is participating in the World Junior Championship semi-finals for the second consecutive time, having lost at this stage last year and then losing in the bronze medal match.

• Finland has won 7 of their last 10 matches at the World Junior Championship (2 in overtime, 1 in a shootout).
• The team has scored at least three goals in 60 minutes in their last four games in this tournament.
• Finland has conceded no more than three goals in regular time in 6 of their last 8 games at the World Junior Championship.

Sweden vs. Finland: Match Prediction

By the quarter-finals, it became evident how much Finland has improved compared to the start of the tournament, with their scoring ability pleasantly surprising, as they had not scored more than three goals in regulation time during the group stage. I think Sweden will face a tough challenge, as Finland looks strong, but Sweden, having won all their games in the tournament, also appears formidable. The Swedes excel in power plays, have a systematic approach, and have faced few questions throughout the tournament. The only concern from the quarter-final was when they led by three goals but allowed two from their opponents, creating a dangerous situation for themselves.

At the start of the tournament, Sweden could have been considered favorites in this matchup, but now Finland can adapt and pose challenges. I think the game will be evenly matched, with few goals. Finland's goalkeeper impressed me, allowing only three goals against the Americans, the most prolific scorers in Group A of this tournament. Meanwhile, Sweden has conceded fewer goals than any team except the Czechs, averaging less than three goals against per game, including the quarter-finals. Additionally, the total goals scored in 8 of the last 9 head-to-head meetings at the World Junior Championship have not exceeded five in regulation time.

The stakes are too high for both teams, so I wouldn't expect high scoring. My prediction: Total under 5.5 goals