In Gothenburg, Sweden started its second group-stage match nervously, and Slovakia had a 9-6 lead before the Swedish women’s volleyball team woke up and took the first set 25-22.
Sweden played significantly better in the second set, pulled away early and won 25-16.
Slovakia changed its game, became more aggressive and it paid off. They reduced the deficit to 25-15.
The fourth set was dramatic as Sweden and Slovakia took turns scoring points, but Slovakia pulled out the win and took the match to the fifth and deciding set after 25-22.
There, world star Isabelle Haak stepped forward, smashed a few points and secured a Swedish victory with 3-2 in the set.
"It's hard to put the game into words, we started well but then we lost a bit. It was a roller coaster ride," says Hanna Hellvig.
This was Sweden's second victory in the European Championship, which strengthens its chances of a playoff spot.
Next up is a much tougher match against Olympic and world champions Italy on Sunday.
It feels good, it's always special to play three games in a row. It will be felt in your body. But it will be an incredibly cool match. You have to see it as a fun challenge, regardless of the result, says Linda Andersson to SVT.
