Sweden had nothing to lose, but everything to gain, in the final group game of the home European Championship. The Blue and Yellows were already qualified for the playoffs in Brno, Czech Republic, after Tuesday's win against Croatia. A win against France would have taken Sweden from third to second place in the group.
Sweden tied the game at 1-1 in the opening set, convincingly 25-13, but it wasn't enough to stop the French side. The higher-ranked team came alive and secured second place in the group, even though Sweden came very close to taking the match to a fifth deciding set.
It's disappointing that we can't come away with a win, but I still think we should be satisfied after many tough matches, says Vilma Julevik, who made a huge contribution in the Swedish defence.
The loss means that Sweden finishes in third place in the group and will face the Czech Republic, which is hosting the round of 16 in the country's second-largest city, Brno. Based on the current world rankings, the Czech Republic is the favourite.
The European Championship group stage in Gothenburg's Scandinavium has therefore come to an end, meaning the Swedes must leave the home blue-and-yellow crowd behind. However, a wall of Czech supporters awaits in Brno.
I prefer when it's atmospheric and you feel like there are people there watching. The opposition may be a little better, but I think you get excited by the atmosphere and adrenaline, says Isabelle Haak about the round of 16.
Sweden's round of 16 match against the Czech Republic will be played on Sunday or Monday.
