On Thursday evening, the Swedish handball men step into the handball EC.
This time as reigning champions.
“Having good results in recent years has obviously given the group a push forward and confidence a push upwards,” says goalkeeper star Andreas Palicka.
It was two years ago that Niclas Ekberg became a great hero in a thrilling final against Spain. The gold was Sweden’s first in a championship context in 20 years.
Particularly noteworthy in that final was when star and middle junior Jim Gottfridsson gave a celebrated fiery speech during a time out during a critical stage in the match.
However, he does not want to promise any fiery speeches this championship.
– I do not know. I hope we can make good performances. I hope to find the right encouraging words to make it a goal, but that’s not how we think. We will probably succeed in doing this as a joint group.
Now the handball men are getting ready to step into the tournament. During the evening, Bosnia & Herzegovina stands for the resistance. The match is played in Mannheim, Germany. The experienced gentlemen Palicka and Gottfridsson are calm before the premiere match.
– It is clear that with more experience comes a certain calmness. Perhaps the only positive thing about getting older in your profession, says Palicka.
Denmark favorites
Despite European Championship gold most recently, Sweden does not enter the tournament as favourites. Big favorites are Denmark, who have won the last three World Cup finals. The latest as recently as last year. However, Denmark has not won the EC since 2012.
– The goal is to take it match by match as in every championship. Development has progressed quite quickly for Swedish handball. We absolutely have the opportunity to make good results
Sweden is, along with France and Spain, among the teams that, according to the experts, are believed to be able to challenge Denmark for the coveted gold.
– I keep Denmark as favourite, and France also look incredibly strong. It will be hard work if we want to achieve results.