The semi-final started with few goals, thanks in large part to great play by goalkeepers Johanna Bundsen and Laura Glauser. After Sweden burned several good opportunities, national team captain Tomas Axnér took an early timeout and the blue-and-yellow ladies then responded with five straight goals. Someone who had her sights set was Nathalie Hagman, who accounted for half of the Swedish goals in the first half.
That paved the way for a 12-10 lead for Sweden at the break.
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– Sweden pressed in the right situations and slowed down the tempo in the right situation. Stood up well at the back against France’s physicality and great play from Johanna Bundsen, said SVT’s expert Mikaela Mässing about the first half.
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At the start of the second, France tried to catch up, but Sweden was initially able to hold off. With fifteen minutes left in regular time, Sweden had a four-goal lead.
However, the defending champions would not give up easily. In front of the large home crowd, they caught up and just like against Hungary, extra time was required to decide.
There, the champion routine from France shone through and they took control of the match. Double expulsions in Sweden were the nail in the coffin and the dream of a historic Olympic final is crushed. The bronze match will be played at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
– Sweden becomes too sparse at the back, doesn’t help each other, which is required against France’s heavy physique, says Mikaela Mässing after the match.