Ice hockey team misses out on Olympic semifinals

Switzerland have been beaten 2-0 by the United States, with Zach Parise scoring twice in the third period to book a place to the Olympic semifinals.

The Americans had their work cut out against the Swiss, who hoped to advance despite being the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament. Parise sealed the win with his second goal, an empty-netter with 11.2 seconds remaining.

Swiss goalkeeper Jonas Hiller of the National Hockey League’s Anaheim Ducks kept it a contest by making 42 saves. Switzerland recorded 19 shots on Ryan Miller.

Despite having only two regular NHL players, the Swiss were gallant in long-time coach Ralph Krueger’s last Olympics. Switzerland finished sixth four years ago in the Turin Games and were looking for their best showing in Canada.

“We had high expectations,” a teary-eyed Hiller said, in a voice that cracked.

“We knew we had a solid team and we can upset some of the big ones and that’s what we tried to do. I wish we could have upset them a little more. It’s always tough to lose, but losing in the quarterfinals in the Olympics and being that close, it definitely hurts. I am quite disappointed right now.”

The US will face Finland, who beat the Czech Republic 2-0 on Wednesday.

swissinfo.ch and agencies