Denmark: Siltanews – News Desk
Denmark conjured the greatest upset in IIHF World Championship history on Thursday, 22 May, toppling giants Canada 2-1 to reach the semi-finals for the very first time.
This marks just the second time Denmark has ever beaten Canada in an official match, the first being a victory during a preliminary round in 2023.
Inside a thunderous Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, the host nation overturned a late deficit with two goals in the final three minutes, delivering a result that gave Danish fans across the country a serious reason to celebrate.
Trailing 1-0 against a Canadian side captained by Olympic legend Sidney Crosby, the Danes looked to be heading for a respectable exit. But with 2:17 remaining, Denmark’s star forward Nikolaj Ehlers unleashed a rare blast from the blue line to level the score while Denmark played with six skaters.
Then came the moment of magic. With just 48 seconds left, Danish Olympian Nick Olesen showed ice-cool composure at the crease, drawing Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington into a mistake before flicking the puck into the gaping net.
“I have no words, it’s unbelievable,” said a jubilant Olesen. “The fans here were cheering for us the whole game and they helped us get the win. It’s crazy.”
“I’m disappointed,” said Crosby. “We got better as the tournament went on. I don’t think tonight was necessarily our best, but we still found a way to give ourselves a lead and … it was a pretty tough environment here, a road game. We got the lead and were in a pretty good spot, but it turned pretty quick.”
The dream stays alive for the Danes, now bound for Stockholm and a shot at a medal. They’re set to face Switzerland in the semi-final on 24 May at 18:20 local time.