Hellvig and Åhman were clear for continued play already before Thursday's final group stage match. But the loss to Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai (22–24, 17–21) means that they finish third in the group and therefore may be forced to take the route via the round of 16, as only the two best group runners-up go directly to the quarterfinals.
If the next match becomes the round of 16 on Saturday or the quarterfinals on Sunday or Monday, it remains to be seen. The last group stage matches are not played until Saturday, so it may be a late decision.
Yes, that's how it is. But it's no surprises. We're used to that, says coach Rasmus Jonsson.
Old is oldest
The Swedes have been almost impossible to beat in the months leading up to the Olympic Games. But two straight losses in the group stage show what they themselves pointed out before the games, that it's extremely tough competition at the top of the world.
And maybe routine still plays a role. The first loss came against the reigning Olympic bronze medalists from Qatar. Now it was one of beach volleyball's veterans, Paolo Nicolai, who stood in the way.
The 35-year-old took Olympic silver in pairs with Daniele Lupo in Tokyo 2021, and continues to hold world-class with his new partner Samuele Cottafava.
It's of course a bit extra nervous with the Olympic Games. But we've played many important matches before, so it's not something that usually affects us that much, says Jonatan Hellvig.
Weak reception
Above all, it's the reception that hasn't worked so far during the Olympic Games. When that doesn't sit, the Swedish team can't utilize their normally strong attacking game.
It's of course very frustrating. We know that we have much more to give and we can play much better than this. But we'll try to show in the next match what we can do, says David Åhman.
Coach Rasmus Jonsson is sure that it can turn quickly. If you believe him, you shouldn't count Åhman and Hellvig out of the medal hunt so easily.
With the playing style we have, we really have to go for it, otherwise it'll be like it was today. But we've had bad matches in tournaments before and bounced back, says Jonsson.
