With 40 seconds left and a five-point deficit for Sweden, Turkey's Alperen Sengün, Houston Rockets, was blown for an offensive foul on Denzel Andersson.
Thus, the superstar was fouled out after five fouls.
But after a conference between the referees, the decision was changed. Andersson, who had been pushed, got the foul and was fouled out – and Sengün stayed on the court.
If you've already blown for it, you can't just change it because it's an NBA star, says a disappointed Birgander, Swedish rock with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Sweden had a seven-point lead at the beginning of the second half, but it was turned into a deficit of eight points in a shaky third period for the Blue and Yellow.
It was decisive.
Despite the Swedes then coming back and pressing the favorite all the way to the end.
"Disappointment and pride"
With just under three minutes left, the score was tied, but in the end, Turkey won by six points.
I feel disappointment, but also pride. We show once again that we stand up to the best. They beat Serbia two days ago and we're there fighting with them in the final seconds, says Birgander.
Turkey won its European Championship group after five straight wins, including in the group final against Serbia, but the Swedes started inspired and led at halftime by five points.
The Swedes managed to keep the Turkish stars Alperen Sengün and Shane Larkin to seven and three points, respectively, in the first half.
Lost – again
Sweden – which took a win in the group stage, against Great Britain – pressed both Finland and Montenegro and Lithuania in the group, but did not manage to go all the way to victory, but fell narrowly in all three matches.
So it was now too.
Turkey lifted themselves after halftime and after half of the third period, the favorite was in the lead for the first time, 46–44.
The Swedes drew fouls and missed shots, and Turkey won the third period 26–13 and thus led by eight points before the final period.
But the Swedes got up and Pelle Larsson (15 points), Birgander, and team captain Ludvig Håkanson (16 points) made sure the end was a thriller.
It wasn't enough all the way – but the European Championship performance was still above all expectations for the Swedish part
I'm proud of the guys. No one thought we were here to fight, they thought we would be an easy match, we should be super proud, says Miami star Pelle Larsson.
