The US team had scored 24 goals in their three group-stage wins in Germany, which earned top seeding for the quarter-finals.

Latvia, who finished bottom of Group B with one win and two defeats, were the latest to suffer against the US team.

Ryan Leonard scored a hat-trick in the last-eight match at the Fanatec Arena in Landshut in Germany.

Casey Seamus and Rutger McGroarty also struck twice in the contest, as the US eased to a 13-3 victory.

The Czech Republic will renew acquaintances with the US team in the semi-finals, having been the runners-up in Group A.

The Czech team earned a dominant 8-0 win over Switzerland in their quarter-final match, with Jiri Kulich, Simon Slavicek and Market Soukup each finding the net twice.

Canada were unable to defend their title, after falling to an overtime defeat to Finland in the quarter-finals.

The Canadian team had won one and lost two group-stage games, leaving them as a third seeds for the knockout stage.

Kasper Halttunen scored a late equaliser in the third period for Finland to take the match into overtime, with the contest level at 5-5.

Joakim Kemell completed his hat-trick in overtime to complete a 6-5 win for Finland.

Finland will face Sweden in the semi-finals.

Sweden overcame hosts Germany 7-1 in their quarter-final match in Kaufbeuren.

The semi-finals will be held on Saturday (April 30).