Sweden fell to Serbia 28-30 in Halmstad.
But the national team's last training match before the World Cup opener against Brazil on Thursday contained a message of joy.
Goalkeeper Mikael Appelgren made his first match since European Championship 2020.
- I had a tension that I haven't had since I made my debut, so it felt like a debut today.
I was very charged, I jumped around the goal like a prattle but in the end I found my composure, said the goalkeeper at halftime.
How does it feel to make saves and get back into it?
- Very important.
For me it was about letting go of some mental ghosts that have been built up.
Are you good enough?
Will you come back?
Now you stand here in Halmstad and play international matches, and all with Bengan's tribute as well.
It feels like a dream.
Sweden made a solid effort for a long time but lost a three-goal lead in the second half.
Disturbing images
In the first half, Jim Gottfridsson, 30, appeared to have injured himself when he had his left leg wrapped.
But by the second half, he was back on the pitch.
Another relief for national team captain Glenn Solberg with only three days left until the World Cup premiere.