Switzerland - Germany predictions and free betting tips [23/05/2024]

The quarter-final match of the Ice Hockey World Championship in the elite division kicks off at 14:20. International hockey fans are in for a thrilling clash between Switzerland and Germany.

Switzerland

In recent years, the Swiss have risen amongst the world's elite hockey teams. The Swiss national team reached the final in 2018, losing to Sweden, and topped the group stage in the previous World Championship. They smoothly navigated through seven group stage matches and entered the quarter-finals as favourites but fell to Germany 4-1. In 2024, Switzerland nearly replicated their previous year's success in the group stage. Out of seven group stage matches, the Swiss team suffered only one defeat, losing to Canada, the reigning world champions, with a score of 3-2 in regular time. In the other matches, the Swiss encountered no significant issues, losing only to the Czech Republic in a shootout. They triumphed over Norway, Austria, Great Britain, Denmark, and Finland. Their only thrashings came against Denmark and Great Britain, netting 11 goals in those games. In the final group stage match, Switzerland defeated Finland 3-1.

Germany

Germany has emerged as a contender for top spots only recently. In 2018, Germany reached the Olympic final, and in the last World Championship, they claimed the silver, narrowly losing to Canada. In the 2024 World Championship, Germany's excellent performance saw them comfortably advance to the quarter-finals. Of their seven group stage matches, the German team suffered just two defeats, losing to higher calibre opponents. They succumbed to the USA and Sweden with identical 6-1 scores. In the other five encounters, Germany bested Slovakia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Poland, and France. The triumph over Slovakia in the tournament opener was pivotal. Victories over Latvia, Kazakhstan, Poland, and France weren't as challenging. Germany scored 8 goals in two separate encounters and managed to "break" the defensive lines of France and Poland.

Head-to-Head

Switzerland and Germany have faced off in 34 official matches. Switzerland has claimed victory in 19 encounters, while Germany has triumphed in 15.

Forecast

Switzerland is predicted to win in regular time. The Swiss navigated the group stage smoothly, with their only loss coming against Canada. Meanwhile, Germany seems weaker than the previous year, as shown in their matches against Sweden and the USA. Against top-tier teams, the Germans tend to falter and perform poorly.