How could it be like this?
That question seemed to be asked by most of the national team after Sweden, having played two flat matches, wasted a golden opportunity to reach the European Championship semi-finals.
The chance still exists, but Blågult will need help when the intermediate round in Malmö is decided today. Either Slovenia - who still have a small chance of reaching the semis - must beat Iceland by at least one point (kick-off 3:30 p.m.). Or Hungary must pick up points against Croatia (kick-off 6:00 p.m.).
If not... well, then Sweden's chances are gone when the match against Switzerland begins (kick-off 8:30 p.m.).
"The feeling now is that we have to pack our bags and go home," says Felix Claar after Sweden's 32–32 draw against Hungary last night.
“Not good enough”
He was, like everyone else on the national team, disappointed and frustrated after the unexpected loss of points against the already weakened Hungarians.
"It's not good enough and then we don't deserve to go far in this tournament," sighs the blue-and-yellow ten-goal scorer.
National captain Michael Apelgren was particularly unhappy with the fact that the defence once again didn't work. Not least, Hungary's centre forward Miklos Rosta was allowed to dominate and scored eight goals.
"We score 32 goals but we concede over 30 goals in basically every single match - and that's too much," says Apelgren.
“I've probably felt better”
In the World Cup a year ago, Sweden, who finished in 14th place, were forced to do without injured duo Max Darj and Oscar Bergendahl. Now the defensive stalwarts are back, but Sweden is still leaking at the back.
"That's what's tricky. We've also chosen to prioritize defense quite a bit, in terms of the formations we play. We've chosen to go with the most experienced defenders. But the numbers are too high," says the national captain.
His predecessor Glenn Solberg led Sweden to three medals - World Championship silver, European Championship gold and European Championship bronze - during the years 2021–2024. Apelgren must now hope for help if his time on the job is not to begin with two straight championship fiascos.
"You've probably felt better," he says.
Carl Goransson/TT
Fact: This is how Sweden can reach the EC semi-finals
TT
The situation in the intermediate round: 1) Croatia 6 points (+1 in goal difference), 2) Iceland 5 points (+8), 3) Sweden 5 points (+4), 4) Slovenia 4 points (-2), 5) Hungary 2 points (-4), 6) Switzerland 2 points (-7).
Remaining matches: Slovenia - Iceland (3:30 p.m.), Croatia - Hungary (6:00 p.m.), Sweden - Hungary (8:30 p.m.).
This applies: If two or more teams end up on the same points, the result of the head-to-head match will decide. Sweden has won against Croatia and Slovenia, but lost against Iceland.
They have the edge: Croatia and Iceland can secure semi-final places on their own. Sweden and Slovenia both have a chance to reach the semi-finals, if they get help from other results.
Sweden will play the European Championship semi-final in Herning, Denmark on Friday if...
+ Sweden wins, while either Croatia or Iceland loses at least one point.
+ Sweden draws, while either Croatia or Iceland loses.
