Albin Lagergren scored 34-31 with 20 seconds left and the Swedish team, dressed in blue for the day, could finally breathe. The bronze medal was in the bag, along with an Olympic spot that was at stake.
Sweden started the bronze match clearly in control and held the lead for virtually the entire game.
”Sweden completely dominated the first half and laid the foundation for this bronze,” says Grahn.
But as often happens in handball, things got tense towards the end as the Germans closed in. With a couple of minutes left in the game, the Germans were only one goal behind Sweden.
Andreas Palicka, as usual, was one of Sweden’s best players, making a number of masterful saves as the Germans approached.
”Palicka is just inhuman today. It’s impressive that he can hold it together,” says SVT’s expert Magnus Grahn, who also highlights the performances of Carlsbogård and Felix Claars.
”It’s fantastic that we managed to win in front of this crowd,” says Claar to Viaplay, referring to the loud home audience in Cologne.
”It’s a rare privilege to play in matches like these,” says Claar.
