A convincing Sweden took the lead in the first set during the opening match in Gothenburg's Scandinavium. The rest of the match against newcomers Montenegro, who were playing their first-ever European Championship match, was tighter.
Despite that, Sweden managed to win 3–0 in sets, with Hanna Hellvig and superstar Isabelle Haak in particular making sure to smash points for Sweden.
It's a bit shaky at the end, but it's all for the audience's sake, says Isabelle Haak and laughs.
Haak, who scored 30 points in the game, hopes the team will improve with each passing match.
We have to get into the rhythm and find our game, says the Swedish star.
Friday's opening match not only offered a win, but also an attendance record for Swedish women's volleyball. During Friday's opening match, 5,261 people were in attendance, compared with the previous record of 4,020.
We hear that there will be even more, so it's just great fun, says Isabelle Haak.
Sweden's next match will be played on Saturday against Slovakia, who lost their opening match in the championship to France 3–0 earlier on Friday.
The resistance will only escalate, so tomorrow it will be even tougher, says Haak about Saturday's meeting.
Four of the six best teams in the group advance to the playoffs, which begin with the round of 16 in Brno, Czech Republic.
Sweden's group stage takes place from 21–27 August at Scandinavium in Gothenburg. All matches will be broadcast on SVT/SVT Play.
Friday, August 21: 3–0 victory against Montenegro.
Saturday, August 22: Slovakia, 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 23: Italy, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25: Croatia, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 27: France, 7:00 p.m.
