Switzerland clinched dramatic overtime win at Milano Cortina 2026 after late Czech equalizer shocked hockey fans

In a thrilling encounter at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Switzerland secured a vital second spot in Group A after defeating Czechia 4-3 in a tense overtime thriller at the Santagiulia Arena on Sunday. Defenseman Dean Kukan scored the decisive goal just 1:49 into the first overtime period of the men’s tournament, netting a wrist shot from the left circle on a two-on-one rush.The win helped Switzerland recover from their thrashing at the hands of Canada in the early part of the week. Goaltender Leonardo Genoni was instrumental in the win, recording 29 saves. The Swiss side was able to regain momentum after conceding a late equalizer in regulation time.The Swiss pair of captain Roman Josi and forward Timo Meier scored a goal each and contributed an assist each, fueling their side’s offense in what was a back-and-forth affair. Meier’s power-play goal with just under three minutes left in the second period gave his side the lead before the game devolved into a wild third period.Czech forward Martin Necas was the star of the game with a goal and two assists, the latter of which came in the form of a tying goal with just over two minutes left in the game. The Czechs had their net out, with Necas scoring a one-timer to tie the game at 3-3, silencing the Swiss fans.Filip Chlapik and Radim Simek also scored for Czechia, but the Czechs had a tying goal waved off when they were called for interference with Genoni, which David Pastrnak committed during a power play. The call was a crucial one. The Swiss regained the lead in the third period on a goal by Pius Suter, but the Czechs tied the game with just over two minutes left.The Swiss campaign, however, remains in shadow after star winger Kevin Fiala was ruled out of the remainder of the Games following surgery. The 25-year-old was stretchered off during Friday’s game against Canada after a collision along the boards.With qualification secured and confidence restored, Switzerland now heads into the elimination stage believing its resilience in high-pressure moments could shape a deeper Olympic run.