Finland celebrate defeating Sweden at the IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship in Obihiro ©IIHF

Finland defeated Sweden to set up a semi-final clash against defending champions United States at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Under-18 Women's World Championship in Obihiro. 

Finland won 3-2 against last year's silver medalists to book their place in the last four. 

Sanni Rantala scored first for Finland at the Obihiro Arena, before goals from Hanna Thuvik and Thea Johansson put Sweden in front.

Nelli Laitinen then equalised for Finland, with Elisa Holopainen getting the winning goal in over-time. 

Russia took the other semi-final spot after beating Switzerland 2-1 in a shoot-out.

The match ended at 1-1, with goals from Kristi Shashkina for Russia and Lara Christen for Switzerland. 

The Czech Republic defeated Japan 6-0 in the first of three relegation games at the IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship in Obihiro ©IIHF
The Czech Republic defeated Japan 6-0 in the first of three relegation games at the IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship in Obihiro ©IIHF

Maria Pushkar and Yelena Provorova scored the winning penalties for Russia, with Emma Ingold converting Switzerland's solitary successful penalty. 

They will now play Canada in the semis on January 12, with Sweden and Switzerland competing for fifth place on the same day.

The Czech Republic defeated hosts Japan 6-0 in the first of three relegation series games, with Tereza Mazancova scoring twice and Daniela Pejsova, Adela Skrdlova, Natalie Mlynkova and Adela Hanzlikova also getting on the score-sheet.

The second clash will also take place on January 12.