Holders Finland are through to the semi-finals of the IIHF World Junior Championship after beating the United States 1-0 today ©Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images

Finland beat the United States in a repeat of last year's gold medal game to reach the semi-finals of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.

Joonas Oden scored the only goal of the game in the 45th minute as the holders triumphed at Werk Arena in Třinec.

On the power play, Finland's leading assist maker Kristian Tanus centered the puck to Oden, who hammered it home with less than five minutes on the clock in the third period.

Defeat for the US ends their streak of winning medals at four consecutive editions of the IIHF World Junior Championship, a run which has seen them take one gold, one silver and two bronzes.

Awaiting Finland in the semi-finals are Canada, who defeated Slovakia 6-1 at Ostravar Aréna in Ostrava.

The other semi-final pits Russia against Sweden after both teams came through their last-eight encounters today.

Russia overcame Switzerland 3-1 at Werk Arena before Sweden claimed a 5-0 win over hosts Czech Republic at Ostravar Aréna.

Today's other match saw Germany beat Kazakhstan 4-0 in the first game of a best-of-three relegation series.

The semi-finals are due to take place on Saturday (January 4), following a rest day tomorrow.

The second, and potentially decisive, match in the relegation series is also scheduled for the same day.