Sergei Makarov scored the go-ahead goal and...

Sergei Makarov scored the go-ahead goal and the heavily favored Soviet Union defeated the United States, 4-2, in the first round of the World Hockey Championships at Stockholm.

The young United States team, manned by National Hockey League and college players, neutralized the feared Soviet attack for almost 2 1/2 periods until the speedy Makarov cut in from the right flank and beat University of Minnesota goalie Robb Stauber to break a 2-2 tie.

Defending world champion Sweden beat Group A newcomer Poland, 5-1, and Czechoslovakia and West Germany tied, 3-3, in other games at Stockholm’s new Globe Arena. In a game at Sodertalje, Team Canada posted a 6-4 victory over Finland.