The Netherlands, with Staffan Olsson as national team captain, got off to a flying start against Sweden and was in the driver’s seat for the first half of the first half. It wasn’t until 21 minutes into the game that Sweden took its first lead in the match, 11-10.
By then, Sweden had clawed their way back from 5-8, and it felt like Sweden might pull away from the Netherlands when they trailed to 13-11. But the oranges did not give up, and the game was even all the way into the tile.
Tied 28-28 with two minutes left. Then Andreas Palicka stepped forward with an important save, which allowed Sweden to take the lead with a minute left in the match. And with just seconds left, he stepped forward again, Palicka, making two more saves as the Netherlands tried to tie the game at 29-29. Sweden thus held off and won 29-28 and has won all matches so far in the EC.
– A match that we knew in advance would be difficult. The Netherlands make an incredible effort and open up our defense in a cruel way. It is a strength to tie the sack in these types of matches as well. There are no easy matches, says match hero Palicka to Viaplay.
See pictures from Sweden-Netherlands in the player below: