Sweden set audience records – fell against France

Sports is the training tournament EHF Euro Cup of less importance.

But two straight wins against Norway and a new audience record at Avicii Arena in March were a much -needed mood booster for a national team that stood for a failure 14th place in the winter World Cup.

When France on Wednesday came to Gothenburg, the handball temperature was still high – and 12,224 spectators at Scandinavium meant another Swedish audience record for the men’s national team (excluding championship matches).

The Swedish supporters also got to see a Sweden that played evenly with the big nation and eventually fell by 32-33.

Before returns received Albin Lagergren Match as the player of the year in Swedish handball. The right -hander from Varberg was also the one who started the goal scorer for Swedish part in a swinging start where the goals replaced each other.

– When I got the message, I was a little shocked. But I am incredibly proud and happy that I got the prize, Lagergren told SVT after the first half.

After several spectacular rescues by goalkeeper Remi Desbonnet, France moved a three -goal lead in the first half.

But Sweden came back – and in the break, the score was 18-18.

In others The opening of the half -started Simon Jeppsson – back in the blue -yellow dress for the first time since 2020 – tear down by pressing 19-18.

However, the second half became a smooth story that was first decided in the final minutes when France pulled in and won by a goal margin.

– France is impressively good. We can’t stop them in the defense, but there is a lot that is good out there, says Michael Apelgren to SVT.

In the EHF Euro Cup – a mini tournament for next year’s European Championships – the host nations Sweden, Denmark and Norway and the reigning champion team participate in France.