PHOTO: Bildbyrån
It was never really exciting – and we can thank Johanna Bundsen for that.
The Swedish goalkeeper star played big when Sweden defeated Germany 27–20 in the quarter-finals of the Handball World Cup.
Now Olympic champion France is waiting for Blågult.
There are dream starts – and then there are dream starts. Sweden’s opening of the quarter-finals of the handball World Cup against Germany in Herning, Denmark, was something out of the ordinary, something handball lovers will remember for a long time to come.
The Bundes’ super zero
Already during the national anthems, it was noticeable on the blue and yellow players that something special was going on. They looked relaxed, there were many smiles and that Sweden would be weighed down by the gravity of the moment? No, not at all.
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For 14 minutes and eight seconds in the opening match, the Swedish goalkeeper held Johanna Bundsen the zero. An incredible performance that is rarely seen at this level of handball.
– She has been magical throughout the championship and her club at home as well, says Lynn Blohm about the Bundes.
The Swedish defensive game was aggressive, well balanced – yes, more or less spotless. That, together with the goalkeeping, made Germany look almost paralyzed and when Sweden also got the attacking game right, there was never any talk. After the first half, it was 16-6 on the scoreboard – and although it is said that anything can happen in handball and that there are no safe leads, this quarter-final was decided.
And that barely before it had even started.
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Johanna Bundsen continued to play great in the second half as well. Germany was slightly better, Sweden went down a bit, but the Bundsen nailed it again and for long moments the German players looked almost scared when they faced the Swedish star goalkeeper in the closing stages. The victory numbers were finally written at 27–20.
– This was perhaps one of the best matches we played, even if we were a little careless in the second half. We know that Germany counters a lot and can catch up. But we knew we could score and we could keep the distance, says Blohm to Viaplay.
READ MORE: Beautiful words about Armand Duplantis – now celebrated for his big heart alongside his success: “He is special”
France next
Before the quarter-final against Germany, negative tongues spoke that undefeated Sweden had not been put to any serious tests, that it was uncertain whether the game would be enough against more meritorious opposition and of course, Germany really did not have its best day, and Friday’s semi-final against the reigning Olympic champions France will of course be something else – but one thing is certain:
Sweden, and above all Johanna Bundsen, has hit the mark just enough for the world championship to be decided.
– I think they are quite afraid of difficult defensive and goalkeeping play, says center six Linn Blohm to Viaplay.
What do you think of Sweden’s effort tonight? Share the article and have your say!
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