The 'Jyske Bank Boxing' sports complex in Herning will host a pivotal Group B clash between Switzerland and Kazakhstan on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 15:20 Astana time. This final seventh-round match carries significantly different stakes for the two teams involved.
Switzerland, having already secured their quarterfinal berth after the fifth round, enters as the overwhelming favorite. Patrick Fischer has assembled a formidable squad primarily featuring players from Swiss National League champions Zurich, complemented by talents from Lausanne, Davos, and Fribourg. Several NHL players, mainly from the New Jersey Devils, further strengthen their roster.
Despite a disappointing overtime loss to the Czech Republic in their tournament opener, the Swiss team has since demonstrated their quality with confident performances against mid-table opponents and direct competitors, including an impressive 3-0 shutout victory over the United States. While Switzerland isn't considered the tournament favorite, they certainly won't be underdogs in the quarterfinal stage.
Analysts at Statbet have identified Switzerland's strong starts as a key factor in their success, with first-period victories against formidable opponents like the Czech Republic, USA, and Denmark.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan faces a more urgent challenge under coach Oleg Bolyakin. Their primary objective remains survival in hockey's elite division. The team's core consists mainly of players from Barys Astana, reinforced by Valery Orekhov and Nikita Mikhailis from Metallurg Magnitogorsk, plus Leonid Metalnikov and Arkady Shestakov from Admiral Vladivostok.
Kazakhstan began the tournament promisingly with a comeback victory against Norway, but subsequent losses to Hungary and Denmark have jeopardized their elite division status.
The historical matchup strongly favors Switzerland, who have won both encounters between these nations in the past five years, including a commanding 5-0 shutout at the 2023 World Championship.
Bookmakers reflect this disparity in their odds, offering 1.22 for a Swiss victory in regulation time and 9.95 for a Kazakhstan win. With Switzerland's quarterfinal spot already secured and Kazakhstan fighting for survival, this final group stage match promises competitive hockey with significant implications for both teams' tournament trajectories.
