TAMPERE, Finland – The United States beat the Czech Republic 3-0 to advance to the semifinals of the world ice hockey championship on Thursday.

The Americans have been cruising through the tournament and won their eighth straight.

“This was a tough game and I’m very proud of our team and how we worked hard in our game,” said US head coach David Quinn. “There is a real commitment to our team and that has been evident from the beginning.”

Matt Coronato scored with a shot from the left that deflected off the skate of a Czech defenseman and into the net in the opening period as the Czechs only had two shots on goal.

Nick Perbix added to the advantage midway through the second with a shot into the roof of the net to beat the goalie Karel Vejmelka.

Cutter Gauthier finished third with his seventh goal of the tournament.

Casey DeSmith he made 15 saves to close.

The quarterfinal was a repeat of last year’s bronze medal match, which the Czechs won 8-4.

In the Latvian capital of Riga, Germany upset favorites Switzerland 3-1 to reach the final.

Jonas Siegenthaler responded to Germany’s opening goal by Maximilian Kastner in front of John Peterka and Nico Sturm given to Germany.

Later Thursday, Canada faces defending champion Finland in Tampere in a rematch of last year’s final, and Sweden plays Latvia in Riga.