Four exciting matchups that we have all been looking forward to are comming up. However, for the early birds – and especially for Austria and Japan – the most important game of the day is the battle to avoid relegation to Division IA. And that's the game that gets Friday's schedule underway in Esbjerg and Herning.

Relegation Game

Austria vs Japan (Herning, 11:00)

Austria have impressed in the Esbjerg group with their never-say-die attitude and tremendous fighting spirit. The standout player has been goaltender Selma Luggin. She has faced 133 shots and boasts a save percentage of almost 95%.

But can Austria handle the Top Division-experienced Japanese, who haven't dropped down to Division IA since 2017? And will Japan's non-European style of play and fast skating cause problems for the Austrians?

Germany vs Finland (Esbjerg, 15:00)

Germany have been the tournament's positive surprise so far. Finishing second in their group and picking up wins against both Czechia and Switzerland has underlined that the Germans are taking another step up the world rankings. Head coach Jeff MacLeod and his staff have done a great job.

But Finland bring far more experience when it comes to Top Division playoff hockey and have never lost a game to Germany in the history of the Women's World Championship.

Canada vs Czechia (Herning, 15:00)

Canada have had a flawless group stage and haven't really encountered any problems, despite integrating a new generation of players into the team.

The Canadians are, of course, clear favourites heading into their clash with Czechia. But there's no doubt the Czechs will battle for all 60 minutes in an attempt to erase the impression of a somewhat disappointing group stage.

Czechia have struggled to find the back of the net, and that's something they simply have to fix if they are to stand even the slightest chance against Canada.

Sweden vs Switzerland (Esbjerg, 19:00)

Sweden have impressed during the group stage. Not least their 4-1 win against arch-rivals Finland could be a sign of a changing of the guard in Scandinavian women's hockey.

Sweden have continued the progress made at recent World Championships and Olympic tournaments and are looking like a very strong collective.

But this quarter-final won't be an easy ride. Switzerland have strong goaltending, plenty of talent up front, and Alina Muller is always a wild card who can suddenly pop up at the most critical moments.

Denmark vs USA (Herning, 19:00)

Let's just call it as it is. It would take a miracle of Miracle on Ice proportions for Denmark to even come close to beating the USA.

The Danes picked up a win against Japan but were outplayed in their other three group games. The USA, on the other hand, have taken control of the puck from the very first second, kept possession and worked incredibly hard on their skating and passing game for the full 60 minutes.

There is an enormous amount of skill in this American team, who have impressed the fans in Esbjerg and are now moving to Herning for the first time in the tournament.

Both teams deserve a packed house in Herning tonight!