Latvia stun defending champions United States at Ice Hockey World Championship

Latvia have handed the United States their third defeat of the Ice Hockey World Championship with a stunning 4-2 victory in Zurich.

Sandis Vilmanis was the hero for the Baltic nation, scoring two empty-net goals in the final stages to seal a memorable upset.

Deniss Smirnovs had earlier broken a 1-1 deadlock early in the third period to set up a frantic climax at the Swiss Arena.

Late drama seals American fate

Desperate for an equaliser, the Americans withdrew goaltender Devin Cooley for an extra attacker in the dying minutes.

Vilmanis capitalised on the empty net with 62 seconds remaining, extending the Latvian advantage to 3-1.

The reigning champions immediately struck back through Mathieu Olivier, who fired home from the slot after being set up by Matthew Tkachuk.

However, any hopes of a miraculous comeback were extinguished just nine seconds later as Vilmanis found the unguarded net for a second time.

Defending champions face uphill battle

Haralds Egle had initially opened the scoring for the underdogs midway through the first period, converting on only their second shot of the contest.

Tkachuk, making just his second tournament appearance after arriving late on Tuesday, levelled the tie with a second-period power-play goal.

The unexpected loss leaves the two-time Stanley Cup winner and his compatriots languishing in fifth place in Group A, sitting one point behind their weekend conquerors.

The United States must now regroup for crucial remaining group stage fixtures against Hungary and Austria to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

Denmark secure first victory

Elsewhere in Group B action in Fribourg, Denmark recorded their first win of the campaign by shutting out Slovenia 4-0.

The weekend schedule concludes with host nation Switzerland facing Hungary, while Germany take on Austria in Group A.