(Tampere) Defender Kristian Rubins scored his second goal of the game 1:22 into extra time to lead Latvia to a 4-3 victory over the United States and the bronze medal at the World Championship ice hockey on Sunday.
It is the first time in its history that Latvia ranks in the top 3 to this event. This country had never done better than a seventh place, a feat it had achieved on three occasions.
For their part, the United States lost the bronze medal for the second consecutive year.
The American team had proved intractable by winning their first eight games of the tournament before losing the semi-final match on Saturday, by a score of 4-3 and also in overtime, this time against Germany.
PHOTO JONATHAN NACKSTRAND, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Defender Kristian Rubins celebrates his equalizer with his teammates.
Before scoring the game-winning goal, Rubins had scored the tying goal with 5:39 remaining in the third period.
Roberts Bukarts and Janis Jaks also hit the mark for Latvia.
Rocco Grimaldi managed two of USA’s goals, each time to put his side level.
Then, 6:19 into the third period, Matt Coronato gave the United States their first lead of the game.
In the grand final, later on Sunday, Canada faces Germany.