Semifinal Showdown in České Budějovice: Czechia Prepares for Their Biggest Test Yet

The roar inside Budvar Arena grows louder with each passing game, each shift, each goal. For Team Czechia, this Women’s World Championship has already become a momentous celebration of growth, spirit, and national pride. And now, on the back of a 7–0 dismantling of Switzerland in the quarterfinal, that celebration rolls into its biggest challenge yet: a semifinal clash with powerhouse Team USA.

It’s a rematch from the group stage, where the Czechs fell 4–0, but if you think that tells the whole story, think again.

The first time around, Czechia iced Michaela Hesová between the pipes, the promising young goaltender from Dartmouth University making her World Championship debut. On Saturday, they’ll turn to the nation’s long-reigning number one, Klára Peslarová, who is fresh off her second shutout of the tournament and playing with a quiet confidence that only grows stronger with the stakes. This time, the Czechs aren’t just grateful to be in the conversation, they’re here to do the momentous. Win.

A Belief That’s Building

Inside the Czech locker room, the talk isn’t of fear or survival. It’s of opportunity. Of belief. Of history in the making.

When we spoke with Minnesota Frost forward Klára Hymlárová after Friday mornings practice, she emphasized how important it will be for the team to carry the momentum from their dominant quarterfinal win into Saturday’s semifinal. “Skate hard, get the puck to the net… and just play our game,” she said with a confident smile.

That mindset—simple, focused, and relentless—mirrors the approach Czechia took in their first meeting with Team USA. Despite the 4–0 scoreline, the Czechs earned praise for their grit and structure in that group stage matchup. Forward Kristýna Kaltounková, who leads the team in scoring with five points, reflected on that performance in an interview with hokej.cz: “I feel like the way we battled with [the U.S.] in the first game was the way to go,” she said. “So just go back to our roots. Go back to what we know how to do, not get too cocky, and handle it with grace and hard work.”

This team has found its footing at just the right time. After an up-and-down group stage, Thursday’s quarterfinal performance was nothing short of dominant. Czechia exploded for five first-period goals and never looked back. Confidence, finally, is matching potential.

And let’s not forget the sixth skater on the ice: the Czech fans. With another sold-out crowd expected in České Budějovice, the hometown roar is building towards a crescendo —and Team USA knows it.

Three Keys to Czechia’s Success

1. Own the Crease: Trust in Peslarová

With Klára Peslarová back in net, the Czechs have their backbone in place. She’ll need to be at her technical best and mentally sharp from puck drop. Rebound control and traffic management will be vital, especially against a U.S. team known for generating chaos in front.

2. Play Fast, but Play Smart

The Americans thrive on pace and aggressive forechecking. Czechia will need to match that intensity, but with discipline. Smart zone exits, clean passing through the neutral zone, and composure under pressure will be the difference between holding strong and cracking early.

3. Capitalize on Emotion, Not Just Energy

Yes, the building will be loud. Yes, this is the moment. But emotion must be channeled into execution. If Thursday’s performance against Switzerland was any indication, this team has the poise and depth to strike when it matters. Getting scoring contributions beyond the top line, like Natálie Mlýnková’s hat-trick, will be key once again. Yesterday she alluded to it “I got some lucky bounces…today it’s me…hopefully next time it will be someone else…”

Let’s be clear: the Americans are favorites. They always are. But that’s what makes games like this special. Czechia is the underdog with teeth. Veteran leadership, world-class goaltending, and the weight of an entire country behind them.

And maybe, just maybe, the someday that women’s hockey fans not located in North America dream of…..could be tomorrow.