Germany and Latvia head into Friday's match as the tournament's worst two and their relegation round contest will determine which team remains in the top division at the 2014 World Juniors tournament.
Germany's campaign got off to a woeful start with a 9-3 beating at the hands of the Canadians. The United States did worse and shut them out 8-0 before the Russians added more insult with a 7-0 demolition of the German side. Heading into their tilt with Slovakia, there was a feeling that they would return to the Division 1A after just one year. However, the team turned some heads when it took Slovakia to overtime in a 2-1 loss. Despite getting blown out 8-0 by Finland in their last match, Germany is one point ahead of Latvia in the standings. That point means little in this match however and the winner of the game will be out of this contest next year.
The Latvians are hoping that they are not the victims. In 2012, they managed one win over Denmark to avoid relegation and they desperately need it here to return in 2014. They have been easily beaten in every matched they played in this tournament: Finland dispatched them 5-1; the Swiss won 7-2 over them; the Swedes won 5-1 over them; and the Czech Republic won 4-2 over them. They most recently lost 5-3 to Slovakia in the relegation round. They have had a better defense than the Germans and that could help them in this match.
Prediction: Latvia wins this 4-2 thanks to superior defense and some timely goals.
Start Time: 4 AM EST
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