Sweden had the European Championship spot in their own hands in the qualifying match against Montenegro at Hovet. But after 40 even minutes, the score was 72–72 on the board and the match went to overtime.
There, Sweden would, after great drama, draw the longest straw and win with 86–83 (20–14, 12–19, 21–18, 19–21, 14–11).
It's incredibly fun. It's nice to finish like this. Especially to take a win here at home. Even if we had lost, we would have gone to the European Championship, but now it feels better, says Denzel Andersson.
Already qualified
Yes, even before the overtime began, Sweden was already qualified for the European Championship. This after Germany's win with 94–85 against Bulgaria.
Sweden had the advantage in head-to-head meetings against Bulgaria, which, with its loss, could not pass.
Thus, Sweden is clear for its first European Championship final in twelve years.
It's hard to take in right now. You've worked so long with so many different qualifiers and everything hasn't gone as we've wanted. But now we've made it, and tomorrow it will probably sink in what we've done, says Andersson, who made his national team debut seven years ago.
"Greater self-confidence"
The Dziki Warzawa pro stood for 14 points in the match, where a couple of these were important three-pointers that made Hovet's roof lift.
It was fun with basketball today, he says with a smile.
He sees the home support as a key to advancement. The last few years, the qualifying matches at home have been filled with electric atmosphere.
You get greater self-confidence when you come to Sweden and play. The knowledge that you have several thousand on site who support us is incredibly nice.
Important for Swedish basketball
In the end of August, Sweden will thus participate in the European Championship again. Something Andersson believes is positive for Swedish basketball.
It means a lot. You know that the women often make it to the championships, so we want to be able to match them in some way. So it means a lot.
The European Championship 2025 will be played from August 27 to September 14 in Poland, Finland, Latvia, and Cyprus.
When? August 27–September 14
Where? Katowice (Poland), Tampere (Finland), Riga (Latvia), and Limassol (Cyprus).
How? The draw for the groups will take place on March 27. There, Sweden's opponents and in which city they will play the group stage will be decided.
