Ukraine lost to Japan in the decisive match of the Ice Hockey World Championship.

The Ukrainian national ice hockey team suffered a defeat in the final round of the 2025 World Championship in Division IA. In the match against Japan, the 'blue and yellows' lost with a score of 2:3. This was reported by 'Glavkom'.

According to the results of the fourth round of the World Championship, the Ukrainian national ice hockey team is in second place in Group A of Division IA. The Ukrainians have nine points, losing to Great Britain on additional indicators. The Ukrainian team has secured three victories against Italy, Romania, and Poland, but suffered a defeat by Great Britain.

In the fifth round, the Ukrainian team played against Japan. To secure their entry into the elite division, the Ukrainian team needed to win or lose in overtime. The start of the match was successful for the Ukrainians - they opened the scoring. However, before the first break, the Japanese responded with a goal.

In the second half of the game, the Ukrainians conceded two goals in two minutes. The teams went to the final break with a score of 1:3 in favor of Japan. In the third period, the Ukrainian team managed to reduce the deficit.

The match against Japan ended in defeat for Ukraine. The team is currently in second place in the standings, and its fate will depend on the results of other matches. To secure their entry into the elite division, Ukraine needs Italy to win against Romania and Great Britain against Poland.

Standings of Division IA of the Ice Hockey World Championship:

• Great Britain - 9 points (4 matches), 16:9
• Ukraine - 9 points (5), 16:10
• Italy - 7 points (4), 11:10
• Japan - 7 points (5), 14:16
• Poland - 6 points (4), 8:10
• Romania - 1 point (4), 5:15

Let us remind you that in the third round, the Ukrainian national ice hockey team crushed Romania. The Ukrainian team also secured a victory in the third match of the World Championship in Division IA.

Analysis

After the defeat in the match against Japan, the Ukrainian national ice hockey team occupies second place in Group A of the 2025 World Championship IA with 9 points. This means that the fate of the Ukrainian team will depend on the results of the next encounters of their opponents. Ukraine guarantees its entry into the elite division if Italy wins against Romania and Great Britain beats Poland.