RIGA, Latvia, May 16 (UPI) -- Ryan Malone led Team USA to a 3-1 win over defending champ Czech Republic Tuesday on the final day of qualifying at the World Hockey Championship in Latvia.
Malone had a goal and an assist and Dustin Brown and Mark Cullen also scored for the Americans, who finished third in Group E and will face Sweden in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Jason Bacashihua made 25 saves in the victory.
The loss dropped the Czechs down to fourth. They will face Russia in another quarterfinal matchup on Thursday. Zbynek Michalek scored the lone goal while Milan Hnilicka allowed three goals on 27 shots in the losing effort.
In other action on Tuesday, Belarus upset Switzerland, 2-1, and clinched third place in Group F. The Belarusians will square off against Finland on Thursday. Switzerland will not play in the final round.
