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The winner will face the Russians

Both teams have achieved their goal by reaching the quarter-finals. Whoever loses this game will probably not go any further than the quarter-finals as it seems they will be facing the unstoppable Russians. Thus, a win here will be very very important

The Czechs have secured their place among the top 8 teams with their win against Norway. The confirmation arrived after France's win against Denmark yesterday, which has effectively ruled them out of the race.

- It wasn't easy but we managed to get those three very important points. Norway were a tough nut to crack and the luck didn't go our way. I can't remember the time my team has hit so many posts - said coach Ružička.

The Czechs received an apology from the refereeing organization because of errors in their game against Denmark which they lost. 

- At that moment, I was very angry and nervous. Now the emotions have settled so I wouldn't want to blame the refs for our defeat. Hockey has become a game in which the refs can make a mistake too. We should have scored a goal in that game and no one would talk about referees - said Ružička. 

Today, they are facing France who have been the most pleasant surprise of this championship. They need a win to avoid Russia in the quarter-finals, but coach Henderson's team is thinking the same thing. 

They crushed the Danes yesterday. The result was tied for a long time but France scored 4 goals in the period between the 50th and the 56th minute. Their offensive line-up Da Costa - Bellemare and Roussell was brilliant once again as they got 4 goals and 7 assists. A total of 11 points in one game is truly commendable. 

- This is a great result for French hockey. I can't remember the last time we played so well - said Henderson after the game. 

Unlike their opponents who are aiming for the medals, France have achieved their goal. This gives them a chance to enjoy the rest of the tournament without too much pressure.

- We will do our best against the Czech Republic. The goal is to win and then we'll see who the draw brings - said Da Costa.

And their opponents can be the young USA team or the Belarus hosts. If the Frenchman keep playing like this, semi-finals are distinct possibility. But if they face the Russians, the end is almost an absolute certainty.

The Czechs are without injured Polak (out until the end of the WC), while France are complete. 

Czech are a big name in the world of hockey, and I think that's the only thing that works for them today. After six matches played against the same opponents, I can say the Czech didn't show they're better than France. They have even number of points, and the statistical comparisons show it's not just an impression. France have a better percent of realization of their hits, their goalies have more saves, they play better in powerplay, and in boxplay. Finally, they had less sending offs so far. Even though both of them did a big thing by coming to the quarterfinals, the stakes are huge today. The winner will avoid the Russians and have a realistic chance in the semifinals. The loser will probably say goodbye to the competition after the quarterfinals. Czech defeated Italy with two goals difference, and Norway with one. They were better than the Slovakians in the overtime. And that's it. The French had a bad luck when they lost against Italy with one point difference, and one from Sweden. At the same time, they defeated Canada and Norway after the penalty shots, and defeated Slovakia and Denmark with two and four goals difference. The Czech may come to their fourth win, but I don't think it will be the most convincing one so far.