Riga, Latvia -- (Sports Network) - Zbynek Irgl scored at 7:58 of overtime to boost the Czech Republic past Russia, 4-3, and into the semifinals at the 2006 World Ice Hockey Championships.

Next up for the Czechs will be Finland, which blanked Belarus, 3-0, in Thursday's other quarterfinal behind 20 saves from Fredrik Norrena.

Saturday's other semifinal will pit Canada against Sweden. The Canadians posted a 4-1 victory over Slovakia Wednesday, while the Swedes blanked the United States, 6-0.

Tomas Kaberle and Jaroslav Hlinka each had a goal and an assist for the Czechs, while Milan Hnilicka overcame a sore back to make 31 saves, including six in the overtime. Patrik Stefan also scored and David Vyborny tallied two assists.

Alexander Ovechkin had a goal and an assist for the Russians, while Maxim Sokolov stopped 32 shots in defeat. Alexei Mikhnov and Sergei Mozyakin also lit the lamp for Russia.

Mikhnov's goal with 1:05 left in the third period sent the game into OT, and Igrl ended the game with a backhander past Sokolov right after an offensive draw.

Olli Jokinen and Ville Peltonen each had a goal and an assist, while Petteri Nummelin tallied two helpers for the Finns. Riku Hahl also scored for Finland, which reached the semifinals at the tournament for the first time since 2002.

Andrei Mezin stopped 38 shots for Belarus, which trailed by a goal heading into the third. However, Peltonen and Jokinen scored nearly 11 minutes apart in the third to seal Finland's victory.

Saturday's winners will advance to Sunday's gold medal game.