Sportingly, the training tournament EHF Euro Cup is of lesser importance.
But two straight wins against Norway and a new audience record at the Avicii Arena in March were a much-needed morale booster for a national team that finished in a disastrous 14th place in the winter's World Championship.
When France visited Gothenburg on Wednesday, the handball temperature was still high – and 12,224 spectators at the Scandinavium) meant another Swedish audience record for the men's national team (excluding championship matches).
The Swedish supporters got to their great delight also see a Sweden playing evenly with the great nation and ultimately fell 33–32.
"A bit shocked"
Before the match, Albin Lagergren awarded the prize as the player of the year in Swedish handball. The right-back from Varberg was also the one who initiated the goal scoring for Sweden in a swinging start where the goals followed each other.
When I got the message, I was a bit shocked. But I am incredibly proud and happy that I got the prize, said Lagergren to SVT after the first half.
After several spectacular saves by goalkeeper Remi Desbonnet, France took a three-goal lead in the first half.
But Sweden came back – and at halftime, the score was 18–18.
Jeppsson back
In the beginning of the second half, Simon Jeppsson – back in the blue-yellow jersey for the first time since 2020 – initiated by making it 19–18.
The second half became a close story that was settled only in the final minutes when France pulled away and won by a single goal.
France is impressively good. We can't stop them in defense, but there's a lot that's good out there, says Michael Apelgren to SVT.
In the EHF Euro Cup – a mini-tournament before next year's European Championship – the host nations Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, as well as the reigning champion France, participate.
Played matches:
France–Sweden 37–31
Sweden–Denmark 29–33
Sweden–Norway 38–29
Norway–Sweden 30–31
Sweden–France 32–33
Remaining matches:
Denmark–Sweden (May 11)
