It would be boiled down to the last shot, where the battle for bronze would be decided.
Sweden's Sebastian Samuelsson and Germany's Philipp Horn entered the arena at the same time. But Samuelsson missed a shot while the German went full speed.
I went out in a cool situation, was loaded for it. Missed the last shot by a hair. Then I get shaky and nervous, and I know I can't miss again because then we have no chance. But I take an extra shot and think that hope lives on where I step on the gas with what I have. But Horn was too strong and did it very well, says Samuelsson to SVT.
"It was close"
The men's team could not replicate last year's sensational World Championship gold or the women's bronze earlier in the day.
We should be honest that we have been on the podium in all World Cup relays. But now we don't take a medal and we should be disappointed with that. But it was close, continues Samuelsson.
The chance of a medal looked bleak for Sweden after more than half the race.
Jesper Nelin came in fourth before the standing shooting on the second leg. Then came a penalty round after he missed all three extra shots.
"What the hell is happening"
What the hell is happening. Should have gotten it down (the shot), I have a good feeling when I shoot and it should be a hit. But it's clear it's frustrating, says Nelin to SVT.
But the dark situation would become brighter through Martin Ponsiluoma's fine skiing after his second shooting – where he caught up by more than 27 seconds to the podium and paved the way for the dramatic final stretch.
Fantastic. Above all, how he does it, increases on every lap. One of the best skiers in the world, says Swedish national team leader Johannes Lukas.
The gold went in superior style to Norway, and the silver to France.
World Championship 2025: Four.
World Championship 2024: Gold.
World Championship 2023: Bronze.
Olympic Games 2022: Fifth.
World Championship 2021: Bronze.
World Championship 2020: Tenth.
World Championship 2019: Four.
