Phantom goal helps Finland overcome U.S.

By Steve Keating

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (Reuters) - Finland rallied to a 3-2 win over the U.S. with the help of a phantom goal at the world championships on Sunday to set up a showdown with Canada.

The Finland-U.S. clash highlighted a wild day of action at the tournament with all four games having quarter-final implications.

Switzerland pounded Denmark 7-2 to clinch a spot in the final eight, Latvia tamed Norway 4-1 to keep alive their hopes of advancing and Olympic champions Sweden ended the Czech Republic's hopes of first place in Group E with a 5-3 win.

The Finns and Americans provided most of the fireworks during an ill-tempered contest that included a controversial goal, three suspensions, 202 minutes in penalties, a game-ending brawl and an official tossed out of the tournament.

Most importantly for Finland, however, the game ended in a victory and set up a Monday meeting with defending champions Canada to decide top spot in Group F.

Olli Jokinen and Anssi Salmela will miss the qualification round finale after receiving one-game suspensions along with American David Backes.

POWERPLAY GOAL

Trailing 2-0, Finland's third-period comeback was sparked by a powerplay goal from defenseman Ville Koistinen that appeared to enter through the side of the net.