Podium in sight

Germany's 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the World Ice Hockey Championship was slim, but it was enough to put the host nation through to the semifinals and guarantee its best finish in 57 years.

At the clash of the neighbouring rivals in Mannheim, German striker Philip Gogulla scored the decisive goal in the 31st minute of play.

After the match, German coach Uwe Krupp basked in the historic achievement of his squad.

"This is certainly the biggest event I've been a part of, as a coach as well as a player. This is like a Stanley Cup," said Krupp, who once won the National Hockey League's biggest prize during his days as a player in the North American league.

Captain Marcel Goc was equally enthusiastic, calling the win the biggest success the German national team had ever achieved.

"This World Championship won't soon be forgotten," Goc said.

Despite initial skepticism that the Germans would even make it out of the group round, Germany has shown it is a strong team. The last time the tournament was held in Germany in 2001, the team made it into the quarterfinals.

Russia remains unbeaten

As Germany was edging out a win over Switerzland in Mannheim, Russia continued its dominance of this tournament up the Rhine River in Cologne. The Russians are undefeated so far in the World Championship and had no trouble dispatching Canada 5-2.

Russia are also the defending champs from last year's tournament in Switzerland.

In the other quarterfinal matches, Sweden beat Denmark 4-2 in Mannheim and the Czech Republic took down Finland 2-1 in Cologne.

The semifinal matches will both be held on Saturday. Germany has a tough draw of unbeaten Russia in their game. Earlier in the tournament, Russia beat Germany 3-2.

In the other semifinal match, Sweden will take on the Czech Republic. The final and the third place game take place a day later in Cologne. Germany's best finish in the World Championship was second place in 1953.

mz/dpa/sid
Editor: Ian Johnson