The Slovakian team have enjoyed a successful tournament to date, winning three consecutive matches in Group C to earn a place in the playoffs.

Germany had contrasting fortunes with three straight defeats in Group B forcing them into a playoff to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Goals from Ladislav Mirt, Tomas Kvasnica and Ladislav Gal gave Slovakia a 3-0 advantage at the end of their opening period of the playoff contest at the Helsinki Ice Hall.

Tomas Kvasnica added a fourth in the second period, before Germany struck twice to threaten a late comeback.

It proved only a fleeting hope for Germany, as Slovakia scored four goals in the third period to seal a 7-3 victory.

The result saw Slovakia advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament for only the second time, having achieved the feat in 2012.

Slovakia face the daunting challenge of next playing hosts Finland, who are seeking a third consecutive world title.

Estonia also advanced to the quarter-finals having topped Group D with a 100 per cent record.

The Estonian team produced a strong third period of their playoff match with Denmark to emerge as 5-3 winners.

Estonia’s reward will be a meeting with Switzerland, the 2018 bronze medallists.

Norway will face Poland later today in the playoffs, with the winner set to face record eight-time champions Sweden in the last eight.

Canada and Latvia complete the playoff ties, with the Czech Republic lying in wait.