Even before the fateful match against the Czech Republic, which Sweden was not allowed to lose, clouds of unrest gathered over the Slovak capital Bratislava.
A few hours before the return, the national team announced that Daniel Pettersson had tested positive for covid-19 and that Valter Chrintz had flown in as a reserve.
Once in the match, it became a nail-biter.
In a match that was more like freestyle wrestling between two heavyweights, the team followed each other basically the whole way.
Despite a hacking game, Blågult had the lead with 12-11 at half time and when Sweden snatched a three-goal lead, 22-19, via a couple of penalty goals by Hampus Wanne, the ticket to the main round felt ready.
No saves in the second half
But an inefficient Sweden invited a wildly fighting Czech Republic at the same time as the goalkeeping duo Andreas Palicka and Peter Johannesson had a black day at work.
In total, there were only three saves, not a single one in the second half, for Sweden.
Despite this, the team managed to keep away.
It was a total of 27-27 in the end and it was in the name of truth with great help from Mrs. Fortuna that Sweden managed it.
With ten seconds left, the Czech Republic got a counterattack, but the pass took on a Czech foot and time ran out.
As Sweden had a better goal difference, the draw is enough even though the Czech Republic had the same points.
Glenn Solberg's team is on to the main round, together with Spain.
- The important thing was that we moved on.
It is the charm of the European Championships that all matches are important.
It's fun with handball, says Niclas Ekberg in Viaplay.