Portugal defeated Spain - bad for Sweden

Sweden had hoped for a Spanish victory, which would have given Blågult the chance to grasp the important first place in the group in Oslo.

But Portugal won and secured one of the two quarterfinal spots. The Portuguese also seem to have the group win in a small bag before the final round, when zero-point Chile awaits.

This means that Sweden can at best become second in the group – which would give a match against the big gold favorite Denmark already in the quarterfinal.

But for Sweden to get there at all, much work remains. To begin with, it must not lose against Brazil. If Sweden takes at least one point, it will be a decisive match on Sunday evening against the host nation Norway – which instead celebrated Portugal's victory.

Spain had a narrow lead at halftime (16–15) and started best in the second.

But at 19–16, the Spanish offense completely locked up. Diogo Marques blocked everything in the Portuguese goal and forward star Francisco "Kiko" Costa achieved great successes. Portugal scored six straight goals up to 22–19 – after Costa had scored five of the goals.

Then the Portuguese never let go.

Sweden's match against Brazil starts at 6 pm tonight.

Carl Göransson/TT

Facts: The Standings in the Intermediate Round

TT

The Table:

1. Portugal, 7 points

2. Sweden, 4

3. Brazil, 4

4. Spain, 3

5. Norway, 2

6. Chile, 0

The two best teams advance to the quarterfinal. If two or more teams end up with the same points, the results of the mutual matches will decide.

Remaining matches, Friday: Sweden-Brazil (18.00), Norway-Chile (20.30).

Sunday: Portugal-Chile (15.30), Spain-Brazil (18.00), Norway-Sweden (20.30).