Women's World Junior Championship. USA - Russia

Today on the 13th of January, the under 18 Russian women's national team will play the USA in the World Junior Championship semi-finals.

With the Americans overwhelming favourites coming into this one, it promises to be a true test of Russia's character. Nevertheless, our players were excellent in beating hosts the Czech Republic 2:0 in the quarter-final stage, meaning that confidence should be high among the camp. However, the team has been weakened by the suspension of key figures Oksana Bratischeva and Nina Pirogova for a fight at the end of the Czech game.

Having come second in Group A, the USA were given a bye into the semi-finals. Indeed, they thrashed Russia in the group stages, beating our players 6:1.

The USA W18 - Russia W18 match will begin at 18.00 Moscow time in Prerov, the Czech Republic. You can watch a live broadcast right here.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation