Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Handball Championship with help from neighbors in the west.
Tough opposition awaited the Olympic champion France.
A team that Sweden has not beaten in seven years.
And tonight, too, Sweden could not break the trend.
The first half was an even story.
Jessica Ryde was responsible for some really important saves in the Swedish goal and Nathalie Hagman scooped forward.
The Swedish right-hander, who also scored the goal, delivered a total of eight hits during the first 30 minutes.
Despite the fact that Sweden had a two-goal lead on a couple of occasions, it looked as if it was France that would go to a break in the driver's seat.
But at the last second, Carin Strömberg fired a shot that bounced up in the crossbar and equalized to 15-15.
The second half was significantly heavier for Sweden.
France picked up the pace, pulled away and led by five goals after ten minutes of play.
France continued to force and a stressed Sweden did not manage to work their way back into the match.
The text is updated.