It was difficult to sleep after the heavy loss against Denmark, which sealed Sweden's medalist in the European Championships in Herning.

The Swedish team agreed that they were close but that it remains a bit to the top, where they want to establish themselves.

- There are three teams that have extremely high quality: Russia, France and Norway and then there is a six-pointer for the fourth place where we are with, says national team captain Tomas Axnér to SVT Sport.

He only fell asleep at 04:00 and has set his sights on preparing the team for the meeting with Montenegro on Sunday.

Nathalie Hagman agrees with the same reasoning.

- It is of course extremely sour.

We were pretty close to being able to play a semifinal in terms of what it looked like against Spain and Denmark.

It is small coincidences that decide.

But it's tough not to have that much left to play for.

We would have had to raise a level on all parameters to reach a semifinal in this championship, says Hagman.

"An important Olympic qualifier in March"

There is not much in the pot in the upcoming matches against Montenegro and France - more than what a medal-free placement you will get in the championship.

However, Hagman is looking ahead, after the European Championships.

- We see it as an opportunity to train on things, we do not have much time together as a national team.

We have an important Olympic qualifier in March and before that we have no more collections.

What is bitter is that we are close but close you do not get that far.

That makes it so tough, says Hagman.

Isabelle Gulldén was tired and felt empty.

- I felt pretty empty.

We have stood well backwards but not got it out forward, with few goals scored.

That has been the difference from the other championships.

We are there and sniffing at the top 4 but have a bit left.

It's not just about reaching a third place but doing it several championships in a row.

Then you have proven that you are at the top, says 31-year-old Gulldén who is a veteran of the national team where she made her debut in 2007.

CLIP: Grahn saw the judges: "Too low level"

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Grahn saw the judges: "Far too low level" Photo: SVT