Sweden twice came from behind to beat Czech Republic in the quarter-finals of the IIHF World Women's Under-18 Championship in St Catharines, Canada ©HHOF-IIHF Images

Sweden twice came from behind to beat Czech Republic and set up a semi-final against the United States at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Women's Under-18 Championship in St Catharines, Canada.

Despite trailing 1-0 and 2-1, and being badly outshot, Sweden rallied behind superb goaltending from Emma Soderberg, who stopped 37 of 39 shots, to advance to the last four.

Czech Republic opened the scoring on a power play shortly before the 10-minute mark when Veronika Bucifalova looked to be circling the net before backhanding the puck out to the near side where Klara Hymlarova pounced. 

Celine Tedenby skated down the left wing not long after and rifled a hard, high shot over the blocker of Katerina Zechovska to make it 1-1, but a clever pass from Hymlarova to Bucifalova with just over 15 minutes on the clock brought about the Czechs’ second goal of the match.

Sweden came flying out of the traps in the third and tied the game again when Jessica Adolfsson's quick shot was deflected in front by Emma Muren, and midway through the final period, the Swedes took what proved to be a decisive lead on a power play.

Hanna Olsson picked out Tedenby, who fired an excellent shot over Zechovska's shoulder to ensure victory.

"We didn't have a very good start, but we finished the game very well," Tedenby said.

"I think we were the ones who had the killer instinct."

Russia beat Finland to reach the last four ©HHOF-IIHF Images
Russia beat Finland to reach the last four ©HHOF-IIHF Images

Russia also advanced to the semi-finals, beating Finland 3-0 and will now face hosts Canada in the second of the last-four encounters scheduled for Thursday (January 14).

Daria Beloglazova scored a brace, while captain Fanuza Kadirova notched the other in what was a tense match at 1-0 for the most part. 

"It was a stressful game because the score was so close for so long," said Beloglazova.

"But I think we played well defensively, especially in the second period.

"We tried to be patient and wait for our chances."

Czech Republic, defeated in last year's bronze medal game to Russia, are scheduled to play Finland on Thursday to decide fifth place.

Today’s other game saw Switzerland beat France 5-1 in the first game of a best-of-three relegation series. 

The second is set for Thursday with the third on Friday (January 15) prior to the bronze medal and gold medal matches.