The two teams are due to meet in the final tomorrow, but with the top three qualifying for this December's event in Finland's capital Helsinki, their spots are assured.

In Group E, Czech Republic made it three wins out of three by beating The Netherlands 7-1 at the Olympic Centre.

Spain clinched the runners-up spot, and a place in the third-place playoff that will determine the other qualifier for the World Championships, with an 8-2 victory over Liechtenstein.

Hosts Latvia completed a perfect record in Group F by registering a 6-1 win over Germany, who had to settle for second place and a match against Spain in the third-place playoff.

Today's other Group F match saw Austria edge France 4-3 to finish third in the standings ahead of their opponents.

Action also continued today at the two other European qualification events, in Frederikshavn and Poprad.

In Frederikshavn, hosts Denmark were held to a 6-6 draw against Estonia after their Group B opponents scored an equaliser with just six seconds left on the clock at Arena Nord.

Denmark and Estonia are level on three points, while Iceland are just behind on two following their 10-3 victory over Great Britain.

In Group A, Sweden continued their winning start after defeating Poland 12-2.

Slovenia bounced back from their narrow loss against Poland yesterday to overcome Ukraine 12-7.

Over at Arena Poprad, home nation Slovakia thumped Italy 19-1 in Group D.

They are joined on a 100 per cent record by Norway, 12-1 victors at the expense of Hungary.

In Group C, Switzerland lead the way on two wins out of two after beating Russia 11-2.

Russia remain on two points and are now level with Belgium, who thrashed sole Africa representatives Ivory Coast 19-1.