Sweden, who have won the competition a record 12 times, defeated closest group challengers and hosts Russia in their final group match of the tournament in front of 7,520 spectators at the Arena Yerofey.

The Swedes started the match brightly and were 2-0 up inside 10 minutes thanks to goals from Daniel Berlin and Joakim Andersson.

Russia, however, pegged them back to 2-2 courtesy of Maxim Ishkeldin's 48th-minute strike.

This was the catalyst for Sweden to regain focus and they eventually came out on top by a 6-3 scoreline.

Kazakhstan thrashed Germany 17-2 in their match, which included four goals from tournament top scorer Rauan Isaliyev, to finish top of Group B.

They are now due to face Norway, who finished bottom of Group A after being beaten 7-0 by Finland in their final group stage, in the quarter-finals.

Sweden and Russia will face either Germany or Hungary who play against each other tomorrow.

The fourth quarter-final match will be between Finland and the United States, who beat Hungary 16-1 today.

The quarter-finals are due to be played on Friday (February 2).