The Swedish handball masters took their second victory, out of two possible, in the Tokyo Olympics when, as expected, they defeated the host nation Japan by 28-26.
A not too convincing victory of the reigning vice world champions.
There were also moments in the first half in the Yoyogi arena where Japan was in the lead.
10–9, 11–10 and 12–11, the Japanese led after two goals by Anri Remi Doi, among others.
Sweden admittedly went into the halftime break with a three-goal lead, 17-14 where Japan's two goalkeeper duo Tatsuki Yoshino and Motoki Sakai provided a save during the first 30 minutes.
The distance grew to six goals at most.
But Japan bet everything and played with an open goal and an extra player in pretty much every attack.
And the home players caught up with Sweden who acted carelessly.
And with just over a minute left of the match, Sweden led with just one goal, 27-26.
Then the left-hander Hampus Wanne, Sweden's best goal scorer in the match, scored his eighth goal and secured the victory.
On Wednesday, Sweden will face Portugal.