A Swedish European Championship final looked very far away after 11-17 in the first half against France. Then Sweden responded with a magnificent second half and was one second away from victory in regular time.
Jim Gottfridsson shot in 28-26 but was doubtfully ruled out for a step error.
Instead, France responded. Prandi succeeded, an incredible number when he outwitted a Swedish wall and Palicka and made it 27-27 on a free throw when the match clock stood at 60:00.
Extremely heavy for the Swedes who could not get up and lost the extra time clearly.
Sweden went towards victory
Sweden took the lead for the first time, since early in the first half, when Felix Claar scored to make it 23-22.
Several Swedes then began to play matchless handball. Of course Palicka in the goal but also Eric Johansson and Hampus Wanne.
Weak Swedish first half
Sweden started the match all right, but at 5-5 the French put the gas down at the bottom and pulled away. Quite quickly, France had gained a large lead and the semi-final already felt pretty done. Sweden went to the halftime break with an 11-17 deficit.
- Sweden played stressfully and lost patience in all parts. Too many missed chances and actually bad finishes, analyzed Grahn after the first half where the match ran away for Sweden.
New team after break
But the break gave Sweden energy. Blågult came out to the second half really on their toes. A couple of matchless saves by Palicka and safe shots by, among others, Wanne, a delicacy in the form of a lob to 14-18 by Darj meant that Sweden was suddenly catching up with France.
Sweden scored 7-1 in the first 9 minutes of the second half and had 18-18.