After the incomparable pick-up against Norway on Tuesday, the Swedish handball masters are in the semifinals of the European Championships.

But the road there has been far from straight.

Several leading players, including midfielder Max Darj, have tested positive for corona, which has forced less experienced players to step forward.

One who really took the chance is the midfielder and defender Oscar Begendahl who got his breakthrough.

- Yes, at national team level it is well that in any case.

At club team level, I think I have shown this for quite some time, says Bergendahl to SVT Sport.

Bergendahl, everyday in Danish GOG Handball, is himself surprised by the responsibility he had to take during the European Championships.

- Yes, I'm a little close because I did not expect this role that I have been given.

But it's a lot of fun.

Darj pays tribute to his teammate

In the match against Norway, it was Bergendahl who managed the Swedish penalty in the final minute, which was decisive in the match with the victory with 24-23.

- He enters without respect and it's so damn fun to watch.

We have played together in Alingsås and it is fun to see his development.

It's just as good as it gets, says Max Darj about Bergendahl's European Championship performance.

I morgon väntar ny match för Sverige som ställs mot Frankrike i semifinal. Frågan är om Bergendahl får fortsatt förtroende eller om Darj, som gör sin tredje match efter coronakarantänen, tar tillbaka sin plats.

– Jag tänker på helheten, vem kan spela försvar och anfall och att vi ska orka i 60 minuter. Vilka som är pigga sista 10-15 minuterna när det ska avgöras. Det har vi många tankar om men ingen plan är lagd, säger förbundskapten Glenn Solberg.

”En av de största matcherna i min karriär”

Oavsett speltid ser Bergendahl positivt på att Darj är tillbaka.

– Jag ser det inte som en konkurrenssituation utan vi är ett lag och de som passar bäst mot Frankrike ska spela. Det spelar ingen roll om det är jag eller Max.

För Bergendahl blir matchen mot Frankrike en av hans största i den blågula dressen

- It will be fun and exciting.

Of course one of the biggest matches in my career, especially at national team level because I have not played that much before.

How do you see your chances?

- 50/50, I dare not answer.

A team must win.