The contest between Russia and Finland at the Arena Vänersborg was a straight shoot-out for the second and final guaranteed place in the last four from Group A, the stronger of the two pools at the tournament.

Russia, who lost their opener to Sweden, managed to edge through with a narrow victory, which keeps their hopes of a 12th title alive.

They will meet the winners of the play-off match between the United States and Finland in the semi-finals.

The US squeezed through to the play-off round, where the top two teams in Group B meet the bottom two sides in Group A, as they beat Germany on penalty strokes following a thrilling 7-7 draw.

Norway were already assured of a spot in the play-offs and completed their Group B campaign in style, thrashing The Netherlands 14-0.

Kazakhstan await for Norway in the last round after finishing bottom of Group A.

Play-off matches are scheduled to be held tomorrow before semi-finals take place on Friday (February 1).

The 2019 world champions will then be crowned on Saturday (February 2).