The hosting nation of the IIHF World Championship 2010, Germany, are one step away from the final. Their opponent today are the hot favourites for the title, Russia.

Semifinals

Russia - Germany

Expectations are high after Russia beat Canada 5-2 on Wednesday. The team's goal is quite simple: they are going to win another world championship. No doubt about it, they have enough talent in their squad. The blueline is headlined by Sergei Gonchar and Dmitri Kalinin. They have good forward depth and play a fast-paced game. And with strong goaltending and consistency the Russians are a very dangerous team. I think the core of the team is even stronger than last year. In spite of the fact that Germany play at home, Russia have definitely more quality and experience. So expect them to be in the finals.

This tournament being on home ice is a big chance for Germany to make a climb back up the rankings. But unfortunately for them, there isn't a lot of reason to hope for a big show against Russia with this roster.  Up front is where they have issues, as there's a real drop off in depth after the three top forwards - Marcel Muller, Patrick Wolf (the top scorers of the DEL) and Marcel Goc (Nashville Predators). Moreover, with a lack of depth in goal and their reliance on youth the team's chances to win one game in this phase of the tournament seems low.

Betting Suggestion:

• Russia to win with -2.5 hcp @ 1.65 at Bwin
• Russia to score over 3,5 @ 1.65 at Bwin

Sweden - Czech Republic

Sweden reached the semifinals after eliminating the weakest play-off side, Denmark. The Three Crowns were the better team on Wednesday and deservedly won 4-2 after Madsen scored the second goal for the outsiders at the end of the match. However for the Czechs this clash will be something very different and we expect a balanced game with great defensive play here. Neither side can afford to open it up today and so Sweden, who have better organisation and more experience, should get their ticket to the finals. They might not have their best players here in Germany but they definitely have the potential to win the competition. The talented young players have met expectations and they could be the decisive factor tonight. Therefore we consider Sweden to be the slight favourites here.

Everyone was a bit sceptical after the Czechs suffered an unexpected 3-2 defeat to Norway during the group stage but Jaromir Jagr and his teammates proved us wrong. Massive wins over Canada(3:2) and Finland(2:1 SO) mean the Czechs are back in the semi-finals after 3 consecutive years without being part of the top 4 finish. These two wins over top sides bring them a lot of confidence before they face Sweden tonight. What is more, goalie Vokoun has been in excellent shape lately and as we all know a good goalkeeper is something you must have if you aim high in the play-offs. Despite all these things we expect Sweden to win this match although it will be a very tight game.

Betting Suggestion:

• Sweden to win @ 2.25 at Expekt
• Under 5,5 @ 1.40 at Expekt