PHOTO: Bildbyrån
After a senseless drama, Sweden’s volleyball ladies won the Golden League.
In the final, it was 3–2 in a set against the advance favorite Czech Republic.
– I am teary-eyed, says Anna Haak to SVT.
In recent years, Sweden has shown that it is a force to be reckoned with on the international volleyball scene.
There has been gold in the European Silver League and final losses in both the Golden League and the Challenger Cup. Nothing beats Sunday’s performance though.
“Incredibly proud”
In the final of the Golden League, there was a victory against the admittedly difficult Czech Republic. Sweden won 3–2 in a set after a real drama.
– I am so incredibly proud and happy about what we have achieved, says the big star Isabelle Haak in SVT’s broadcast.
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Her sister, Anna Haakwas at least as happy.
– It feels so damn good. I’m teary-eyed. We’ve never done anything bigger.
– It always feels like we do something unexpected. We come in here as underdogs and we fight our way through this. We have a five-setter against Belgium (in the semi-finals) and today we have another one that felt even a little tougher. We are worn out but fighting, she continues.
Swinging finale
Sweden got off to a dream start in the final and took home the first set 25–22. The Czechs came back and won both the second and third sets – and then and there the title seemed to slip out of the Swedes’ hands.
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But Sweden rallied, winning the fourth set and also the fifth and deciding set, 15–11.
– We have met so many good teams on the road, and even today, says Isabelle Haak.
Sweden had previously secured a place in the Challenger Cup, where the world’s best national teams meet. The Challenger Cup is a qualifier for the Nations League and success in the upcoming tournaments could give Sweden a historic WC ticket. The last places for the 2025 championship are awarded at the end of August and go to the highest ranked countries in the world ranking. Right now, Sweden is in 24th place.
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