SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Sweden reaches the quarterfinals – chasing top placement

The women's handball team secured a quarterfinal spot in the Olympic Games in Paris. After the loss to Denmark last time, they defeated South Korea with 27–21. Nice that we avoid playing the last match with our backs against the wall, says team captain Jamina Roberts.

» Published: 01 August 2024

Sweden reaches the quarterfinals – chasing top placement
Photo: Aaron Favila/AP/TT

Sweden meets Slovenia, table-topper ahead of Thursday's matches, in the group stage finale on Saturday and is chasing the best possible placement ahead of the quarterfinals.

If we win tomorrow as well, we will have done everything we can to get a good placement in the group. We have a chance at first place if certain results go our way, says Roberts, whose Sweden stands on six points after three wins in four matches.

"Just need to sharpen up"

The Swedes took an early grip against South Korea, but wobbled in the middle of the second half when 20-14 suddenly turned into 20-18.

We had slacked off, so it was just a matter of sharpening up. It feels like we quite early on in the match feel that we've got this and then become a bit lazy and comfortable. We did what we had to and not much more, says Roberts.

Goalkeeper Evelina Eriksson made her Olympic Games debut with 11 saves and was 34 percent between the posts.

It was fun, really fun. It was like we thought beforehand, a slightly shaky match, we might get a bit bored in defense, they stand for a long time and play and come up with some weird finishes, says she.

Spectacular save

Eriksson made a spectacular open-play save in the second half when she got her foot up to ear height.

I'll have to look at it afterwards. A lot of technique is involved, of course, but you also have to go on feeling, says the 27-year-old who plays for Bukarest in everyday life.

Johanna Bundsen was almost completely rested, she came in and made two penalty saves in the second half.

Emma Lindqvist became top scorer with five full hits.

National team coach Tomas Axnér was primarily pleased with the Swedish defense. On the other hand, he thinks the offense could have been sharper:

They offer a lot of first-time opportunities that we normally don't get, where I think we could have been simpler and more direct.

If Sweden wins over Slovenia, the team will be at least second in the group and get an easier quarterfinal opponent from the other group.

We'll prepare ourselves to do everything to win that match. We still have a chance to win the group, says Axnér.

He can, however, imagine resting players in the group stage finale:

We're here with 14 players, I'm not afraid to use anyone in this squad. If we have the opportunity to rest key players, we'll do that.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Family Festival in Melbourne - the couple with their own upset
2 MIN READ

Family Festival in Melbourne - the couple with their own upset

Goalkeeper scored both goal and assist
1 MIN READ

Goalkeeper scored both goal and assist

Swiatek advances after crushing
1 MIN READ

Swiatek advances after crushing

Scandal scenes in the World Championship – Staffan Olsson was forced to flee
1 MIN READ

Scandal scenes in the World Championship – Staffan Olsson was forced to flee

John Klingberg signs with Edmonton
1 MIN READ

John Klingberg signs with Edmonton

Manchester United legend dead – was 84 years old
1 MIN READ

Manchester United legend dead – was 84 years old

20-year-old's success: Swedish record on 200 meters
1 MIN READ

20-year-old's success: Swedish record on 200 meters

Djokovic wants to change tennis: "Introduce dancers"
2 MIN READ

Djokovic wants to change tennis: "Introduce dancers"

The Faithful Servant Leaves Kalmar FF – After Twelve Years
1 MIN READ

The Faithful Servant Leaves Kalmar FF – After Twelve Years

Frida Karlsson far behind in comeback: "Just forget"
2 MIN READ

Frida Karlsson far behind in comeback: "Just forget"

Sparkling Ponsiluoma Secured Swedish Second Place
2 MIN READ

Sparkling Ponsiluoma Secured Swedish Second Place

Norwegian dominance despite major dropout
2 MIN READ

Norwegian dominance despite major dropout

National Team Captain Steps Down – Becomes Sports Manager at the Olympic Committee
1 MIN READ

National Team Captain Steps Down – Becomes Sports Manager at the Olympic Committee

The National Team Captain Gets Fired in Belgium
1 MIN READ

The National Team Captain Gets Fired in Belgium

Manuel Arias called female star fat – banned
1 MIN READ

Manuel Arias called female star fat – banned

Lotta Schelin becomes a musical artist: "Awesome"
1 MIN READ

Lotta Schelin becomes a musical artist: "Awesome"

Sirius sells successful player for a record sum
1 MIN READ

Sirius sells successful player for a record sum

Slegers gets the manager job in Arsenal
1 MIN READ

Slegers gets the manager job in Arsenal

Tough day for the Swedes – crash and lost ski
1 MIN READ

Tough day for the Swedes – crash and lost ski

Golden Ball Winner Dead: "Fantastic Football Career"
2 MIN READ

Golden Ball Winner Dead: "Fantastic Football Career"