Finland vs USA Prediction: Acting From a Position of Strength

Prediction for the Hockey World Cup Finland vs USA match, which will take place on May 12th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Finland has been the strongest team in the world for the last four years. Jukka Jalonen has been the head coach of Suomi. In his first year, he built the team's core that brings titles to this day. They have twice won the World Cup, once gained the silver medal, and, in 2022, became triumphant at the Olympics, beating Russia in the final match - 2:1. Before the World Cup 2023, the Finns had a modest start at the Czech Republic's European Tour, where they finished in last place, but it was absolutely typical for them. They will play differently at the home World Cup, being the main favorites.

The United States has always been one of the top contenders at World Championships. But throughout history, they have only won gold medals twice, the last time back in 1960. What a story! But over the previous two tournaments, they have reached the semifinals. In World Cup 2021, they won bronze, and in 2022 - only fourth-place prizes. In 2023, David Quinn again leads a very curious lineup. A host of young, ambitious guys will play for the national team, tearing up the NHL in the coming years. The experienced Nick Bonino, who has won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, will be named captain.

Finland is the reigning world champion and will defend the title they won the year before. Suomi faces the Americans often in world championships. It is bad news, as the hosts won six times in the last seven H2H encounters. Now the better-organized and more experienced Finns are the favorites, and the USA team will have to evolve into a battle-worthy team during games. 

Usually, the Finnish team wins due to a pragmatic manner of play, which Jukka Jalonen brings. We should see that as well, but already in the knock-out matches. In the opening games, they can afford to play from a position of strength in front of the home stands. This time the Blues and Whites have a powerful lineup, highlighted by Mikko Rantanen, the former Salavat Yulaev trio - Granlund, Manninen, and Hartikainen. Marko Anttila, at 37, is still able to score.