Sweden started the match well and took the lead early in Hamburg. Spain could, however, respond and after the first period, the score was 16–16.
The second period was tougher for Sweden, and Spain could pull away to a lead of 31–23.
After halftime, Sweden came out stronger again and performed a good third period. But Spain could take advantage of Sweden's mistakes and the blue and yellow team was behind 42–50 before the last period.
Spain entered the last ten minutes with a clear lead, but Sweden did not give up. With just over 20 seconds left, Sweden equalized to 64–64 after a free throw, and could then hold on to take the match to overtime.
Thriller in overtime
Overtime became dramatic, but after Spain got several free throws, the Spanish women could finally win with a three-point margin.
It's so close and yet so far at the same time. It felt like we had it, especially there in overtime, we come with energy. But it became a bit that we "traded baskets", which doesn't work, but we fight anyway, says Fontaine to SVT.
The loss means that Sweden will not play on in the European Championship, while Spain is now clear for the quarterfinals.
Now we will hug each other and just say to each other "damn how good we are anyway". It wasn't a win today, but damn how good we are, says experienced Frida Eldebrink.
"Will get better"
Sweden would have needed an eight-point win to be clear for the quarterfinals, or a win with a smaller margin if Great Britain later on Sunday won against Germany.
I think we do a better and better job every match. Spain, it's tough. We take them to overtime, could certainly have won there in the end, but we wanted to play another overtime period so we got eight points and could advance. But I think we should be proud anyway, just this match, we fight on, says Fontaine.
Before the last match against Spain, Sweden had lost to Germany, but won against Great Britain.
Despite being eliminated, the Swedish players are proud of their performance in the championship.
We show during this championship that we get better and better. I think we have taken steps and are approaching the major nations, says national team coach Robin Sandberg.
