It was a difficult start to the match against Israel for Sweden.
With the pressure to win, and preferably a big one, to qualify for the EC, it was 7-0 to the Israelis early on.
But Sweden took a time out and managed to come back - and pass.
When the teams went to the break, Sweden led 32-31.
This despite the fact that the Swedes had difficulty scoring the three points.
Nathalie Fontaine was the only one to succeed when half the match had passed.
Israel rallied after the break
After the break, however, it became too tough for Sweden to keep up.
Israel pulled away immediately after the break, where they scored ten points before the first Swedish point came.
Then the Israeli lead was extended, not least thanks to American-born Alyssa Baron who scored 29 points in total.
- Sweden plays badly, it's that simple.
Can't shoot from outside, has wrong tactics in defense.
Israel was the better team for 40 minutes and I have to say that I am surprised, a little shocked at how badly Sweden is playing considering what was at stake, says SVT's expert Nick Rajacic.
In the end, the numbers were written at 71-57 and Sweden had then made two three-pointers in the entire game.
This means that there will be no EC for Sweden.
The EC is played in Israel and as the host nation, Israel is already ready to play the championship.
Sweden ends the EC qualification with a meaningless match at home in the Avicii arena in Stockholm against Latvia.
The EC will be played on June 15–25 in Israel and Slovenia.