The opening match of the A group at the Milan Olympic rink saw Switzerland edging past the Czech Republic with a thrilling 4-3 victory, secured in overtime by defenseman Dean Kukan's decisive goal. This match was critical as it determined the second position in the group, which influences the opponent pairing for the upcoming quarter-finals. With 11,263 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electrifying, resembling a true carnival as the crowd witnessed the unfolding drama on the ice.

As the game progressed, the Czech Republic made a late-game push, managing to equalize at 3-3 by pulling their goalkeeper, leading to a dramatic finish. NHL star Martin Necas scored a stunning equalizer just minutes before the end of regulation time, which could have pushed the game into a different direction had their previous equalizer goal not been disallowed due to goaltender interference. The intensity of the match left both teams on the edge, reflecting both teams' desperate need for victory to advance further in the tournament.

Post-match interviews revealed the deep disappointment among the Czech players, who appeared somber and frustrated, hinting at the emotional toll a close match can have in such a high-stakes environment. Their failure to secure a win despite a strong effort, particularly with a valiant push in the final minutes, adds to the pressures they will face moving forward, while Switzerland's victory sets them up for a promising quarter-final encounter against a potentially weaker opponent. This highlights the unpredictable nature of knockout rounds in the tournament, where every point and moment can shift the outcome significantly.