Finland secured a critical 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing their potential as gold medal contenders. After a goalless first period, the Finnish team dominated the second with back-to-back goals from Viivi Vainikka and Julia Liikala, before Sanni Vanhanen extended the lead. Switzerland's Alina Müller scored to briefly narrow the gap, but Vanhanen quickly restored Finland's two-goal cushion. In a strong defensive effort, Finland limited Switzerland to just four shots in the final period, leading overall in shots 31-15.

By the Numbers
  • Finland outshot Switzerland 31-15.
  • Alina Müller's goal marked her 14th at the Winter Games, making her the all-time leading scorer in Swiss Olympic history.
Yes, But

While Finland showed their offensive skills, Switzerland's heavy reliance on Müller underscores the challenges they face. Even with a skilled goalkeeper like Maurer, the Swiss need more balanced contributions to compete effectively.

State of Play
  • Finland currently sits fourth in Group A with a record of 1-0-2.
  • Switzerland has fallen to last place with a record of 1-0-3 and is set for a tough quarterfinal matchup.
What's Next

A win for Finland against their next opponent could elevate them to second place in the group, enhancing their quarterfinal prospects. Meanwhile, Switzerland must rally for a stronger performance to stay competitive in the knockout stages.

Bottom Line

Finland's decisive win highlights their growing momentum and potential for success, while Switzerland needs to diversify its offense to remain contenders as the tournament progresses.