The US made a good start to the match at the Traktor Ice Arena with Cole Caufield handing them a 1-0 lead inside nine minutes, a lead they took into the dressing room at the end of the first period.

Hosts Russia were quick out of the blocks in the second period and sent the 7,499 home fans into raptures when Ruslan Iskhakov equalised in the 23rd minute

The defending champions, however, put in a stunning display in the third and final period with goals from Joel Farabee, Oliver Wahlstrom, Jacob Wise and Jack Hughes eventually giving them a 5-1 victory overall.

The US will now face the Czech Republic after they shocked three-time champions Canada at the Arena Metallurg in Magnitogorsk, eventually running out 2-1 winners.

The other semi-final will see two Nordic nations go head-to-head as Sweden face Finland.

Three-time champions Finland, who finished top of Group B, booked their place in the last four with a 5-2 victory over Belarus at the Traktor Ice Arena whilst Sweden thrashed Slovakia 6-1 at the Arena Metallurg thanks to a stunning performance by Jonathan Berggren in which he scored twice and provided two assists.

Today also saw the first of three relegation round games between France and Switzerland take place, with Switzerland emerging 5-2 winners.

The players are on another rest day tomorrow with matches recommencing on Saturday (April 28).