Early in the first half of the victory match against Egypt, Jim Gottfridsson injured his hand and was forced to cancel the quarter-final.

However, the Swedish star remained on the bench the entire match and did what he could to help the team from the sidelines.

One of those who received directives and tips from Gottfridsson was left-handed junior Eric Johansson.

- Almost every time I came out, he said how he thought the Egyptian defense would think and came up with ideas that I could then pass on when I got back on the field, he says.

- It means a lot.

Apelgren: "The team before the self"

Gottfridsson will not play the semi-final against France on Friday, a hand fracture stopping the Swedish star from more games in the World Cup.

Will he still sit on the bench?

- Oh, that's a good question.

I can not answer that.

I only know that he is a great pusher and very knowledgeable about the game, says Eric Johansson.

Assistant national team captain Michael Apelgren praises the Swedish midfielder and his effort from the bench.

- He shows what a great team player he is and stands up and helps the team on the side of the field in a fantastic way.

He really shows that it is the team before the self in this group, says Apelgren to SVT Sport.

CLIP: Andreas Palicka pays tribute to the audience: "It's magical that all of Sweden shuts down"

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Andreas Palicka pays tribute to the Swedish crowd at the handball WC.

Photo: Bildbyrån