The Swedish handball team begins the European Championship at home in ten days in Malmö and wrapped up the series in the best possible way, beating Brazil 33–24 (17–11) in Partille.
But for Andreas Palicka it was not a good match. The 39-year-old team captain replaced Mikael Appelgren in goal after the break, but played just over five minutes before the accident happened.
Nosebleed
A heavy Brazilian shot hit Palicka's nose and left eye. With blood flowing from his nose, the Scanian left the field and did not return to the game.
The national handball team later stated that Palicka, who in addition to the nosebleed had lost a contact lens in his left eye, was examined by doctors. Shortly after the match, Aftonbladet reported that Palicka had to go to the hospital.
He is our team captain and has been the DNA of this team for many years. He is a leader who is extremely important to us and we are keeping our fingers crossed, of course. That is the only thing that does not feel so good today. But there will always be some clouds of concern, Michael Apelgren told Göteborgs-Posten.
Appelgren first choice?
Judging by the two warm-up matches against Brazil, Mikael Appelgren looks to be the first-choice goalkeeper for the European Championship. The 36-year-old, who has found his form again after moving to Hungarian Veszprém, put in a strong performance in his 103rd international match of his career.
Of the outfield players, Lukas Sandell shone the most, with eight goals.
It's a good feeling that we bring to the championship, Sandell told SVT.
Michael Apelgren agreed:
It was a very good match, we did great things today.
It feels good that we have a foundation we can lean on now.
Sweden will face the Netherlands in the European Championship opener on January 17.
