No big surprises in Group B games last night as both Switzerland and Canada won against Italy and Latvia respectively. However, the USA have stayed at the bottom of Group D after their 2:1 defeat from Denmark! The fifth day starts today at 16.15CET and involves games from Groups A and C.

Group A

Russia – Kazakhstan

David meets Goliath in the first game today as Russia face Kazakhstan. The Red Machine have the best squad here in Germany and therefore they are expected to defend their 3rd consecutive World Championship gold medals. Though it wasn`t the best start for the favourites when the Slovaks came close to get the game into overtime after hitting the stick two times in the final minutes. Then they conceded to the empty net while playing the power-play and so Russia won 3:1. But Kazakhstan are somewhere else to where the Slovaks are in terms of quality. Although they were close to another surprise after leading 2:0 in the match to Belarus, they lost 5:2 in the end. Anyhow this should be a very comfortable win for the favourites Russia.
Pick:

• Over 5.5 goals @ 1.50 (bwin.com)
• The first goal between 00:01-08:59 @ 1.52 (bwin.com)
• Second period over 1.5 @ 1.46 (bwin.com)

Group C

Czech Republic – Norway

This is another match with a clear favourite, although I should remind you of the fact that so far we have already seen several massive surprises here in Germany. The Czechs are on a high after the convincing 6-2 win over France. The good thing is that some of their young players got on the score sheet showing they have both potential and confidence. Jaromir Jagr helped his team-mates with three assistances and was a director on the ice. The only match where Czech Republic could possibly drop points is the one to Sweden where the battle for the top group finish will be decided. Norway lost their opening match to the favourites Sweden rather easily and should be easy prey here too. It would be no surprise if Norway played relaxed hockey here as they will have only one day to recover after this match before they play France. That game will decide either they join the top 12 or go to the relegation group.
Pick:

• The frist goal between 00:01-08:59 @ 1.75 (bwin.com)
• Czech Rep. -2.5 @ 1.57 (bwin.com)
• Second period over 1.5 @ 1.68 (bwin.com)

Group C

Sweden – France

Sweden have come to Germany with a completely overhauled roster, on which feature only 5 NHL players. But their reputation for punching above their weight in international competition is well known, so expect them to be around in the semi-finals despite being offensively challenged. The defence looks solid. Talented youngsters Hedman and Karlsson will likely play a top 4 role at the tournament, along with Swedish leaguers Backman and Johansson. The Tre konors beat Norway 5-2 on Saturday and Weinhandl scored a hat-trick. In another group game the Czech Republic defeated the French 6-2. France have a quite simple objective: collect enough points in the preliminary round and finish third in the group to avoid the relegation round. This will be difficult for them this year, with two strong opponents in the Czech republic and Sweden. No doubt about it, the team's best hope to avoid the relegation round is to knock off Norway in their third game.
Pick:

• Sweden will have the first powerplay:  1.70 (bwin.com)
• Over 5.5: 1.40 (bwin.com)

Group A

Belarus – Slovakia

Belarus is a country on the rise in international hockey, as they have started to produce some strong, almost elite level prospects like Grabovski, Alexander Kosticyn, Sergei Kosticyn and Kolcov.  The Kosticyn brothers aren't on their roster right now (play-off NHL), but one of them could still be added if they become available. The defence is headed by experienced Ruslan Salei who has already played 13 seasons in NHL. Belarus has 3 points in the table because they beat Kazachstan 5-2. On the other hand, Slovakia were defeated 3-1 by Russia but the Slovaks played as a team in this match and had many goal-chances especially in the third period. Despite the fact that the country's top NHL forwards are injured or have many other difficulties, the team looks really good and their strength as a side is team spirit. They are an interesting collection of players led by young forwards like Svatos, Panik and Zagrapan. Peter Budaj from Colorado Avalanche will probably start again in goal. It will be a hard-fought and intense game between these teams. I believe Slovakia will narrowly win.
Pick:

• Handicap Slovakia -0.5: 1.80 (bet365.com)
• Slovakia to score over 2.5: 1,55 (bwin.com)