Only twelve nations are allowed to participate in the women's basketball tournament in the Summer Olympics - and Sweden now has the chance to become one of the countries in the exclusive crowd that is allowed to go to Tokyo. In that case, it would be the first time ever that a Swedish women's basketball team is allowed to participate in an Olympic Games.
- If Sweden goes to the Olympics it would be the biggest thing a Swedish national team has ever done. It is the last Olympic chance for the golden generation, who took silver in the U19 World Cup 2007, says Elisabeth Egnell.
In the summer of 2019, Sweden finished sixth at the European Championships after a strong effort and thus became one of 16 teams in the Olympic qualifiers. Sweden's group plays in Belgian Ostend February 6-9.
"The key match will be against Belgium"Sweden was drawn in the Olympic qualifiers against Japan, Canada and Belgium. Japan is already qualified as a host nation, which means that Sweden must place itself before either Canada or Belgium to secure the historic Olympic site.
And it will be a tough task for Sweden - Canada is ranked as the world's fourth best team, Belgium and Japan are in ninth and tenth place in the world ranking. Sweden is ranked 22nd in the world.
- It's a super tough draw, but the chance exists. Sweden is absolutely no blueberry nation. The key match will be the last match against Belgium, Sweden has more chance in that match than against Canada. Much comes as usual revolving around Amanda Zahui, the defense game must sit and then Sweden must get started shooting from outside, says Egnell.
The matches are commented on by Peter Jonsson and Elisabeth Egnell.