Ice hockey World Cup third-place match, Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 3:20 p.m.
Of course, this is not the result that the “Tre Kronor” had hoped for. But in the end, bronze is still better than nothing – even if the Bwin bonus might be a small consolation for their fans!
Be that as it may, according to my Sweden Denmark tip, the Swedes will make it onto the podium. They play significantly better ice hockey than their opponents.
The disappointment in Sweden runs deep. The title was within reach, but in the semifinals they suffered a bitter 2-6 defeat against the USA, which showed once again that quality alone is not enough when the momentum shifts.
Now all that remains is the bronze medal match – a consolation prize that at least allows them to end the tournament on a positive note.
On paper, Denmark seems like a beatable opponent, but the combative Danes should not be underestimated, even if they were clearly shown their limits in the semifinal against Switzerland, losing 7-0.
Denmark’s victory over Canada in the quarterfinals was a statement – and yet somehow a one-off feat of strength, fueled by unbridled determination, clever forechecking, and an opponent who felt too confident.
But even then it was clear that as soon as Denmark faced teams that were not only tough but also precise and skilled, things would get tight.
Switzerland showed that mercilessly. And Sweden will want to pick up on that today. Because bronze may not be gold, but for a hockey country like Sweden, it is imperative not to leave the tournament with two defeats.
For Denmark, it’s a bonus game. The pressure is off, but so is the freshness. Two intense games in a few days, one of them historic against Canada and then a 0-7 thrashing – that takes its toll.
The tournament also shows that as soon as Denmark had to face strong teams, they regularly stumbled.
Physical presence alone is not enough at this level, and technical inferiority cannot be compensated for over 60 minutes.
The Swedes, on the other hand, will throw everything into the game today. They will be highly motivated not to end the tournament in frustration in front of their home crowd.
Experience also speaks in their favor – in games for third place, it is often routine that counts when both sides are mentally exhausted.
The last direct comparison, the 4-1 win at the 2023 World Cup, was a prime example of how clear the balance can be when Sweden takes control early on.
All in all, I’m predicting a comfortable victory for Tre Kronor in my Sweden vs. Denmark tip. It shouldn’t be a completely one-sided affair – Denmark will fight hard, check their opponents and push the pace.
But in the end, the combination of class, structure and greater control of the game will tip the scales in their favor.
Looking at the Sweden Denmark odds and the offers from individual top providers such as Oddset, I can only see one bet that I would really recommend – a SWE win with a handicap of -3.5.
The odds are fairly set at 1.93 on average. Furthermore, I find it difficult to imagine that Sweden will win by more than four or five goals in the end.
Conclusion: The disappointment among the Swedes is naturally deep, but they should be able to win comfortably in the match for third place.
They are playing at home in front of their home crowd against a team that has just been humiliated and has hardly any NHL experience.
With a lot of anger in their bellies, Tre Kronor should make sure the outcome is clear early on.
My Sweden Denmark tip: SWE to win with a handicap of -3.5.