Sweden’s handball players became the new European champions, as they beat Spain 27:26 (12:13) in the grand final of the European Championship.
Sweden became the best team in Europe for the fifth time, but for the first time in 20 years! The Swedes did it in a spectacular way and with a turnaround against the fantastic Spain, which has two titles of champion of the Old Continent.
The hero of the Scandinavian national team was Niklas Ekberg with a goal from the penalty spot in the last second, although he missed most of the tournament due to coronavirus problems.
He has now helped Sweden break the record, as it was the best in 1994, 1998, 2000, and 2002, or four of the five tournaments.
The most efficient in the composition of Sweden were Niklas Ekberg and Oskar Bergendahl with five, Hampus Wanne with four, and Jim Gottfridsson with three goals. In Spain, Treho Figueras and Abelo Gomez with a shot, Serrano Tarrafeta with five, Perez Fernandez with four goals were in the mood to attack.
During the first half, the advantage was mostly in the hands of the Swedes, who managed to close the approaches to their goal with a great defense.
However, in the second half, Spain managed to gain a two-goal advantage three times, but Sweden equalized – 19:19, and shortly afterward took the lead. We saw a great fight for every ball and every goal until the end, and tense minutes before the end, after the great defenses of Palicka, that is, the goals directed by Wanne and Lagergren, Sweden escaped at 26:24.
Figuears and Canellas scored for 26:26, and then Spain had the ball in their hands 30 seconds before the end. Palicka easily stopped Canellas’ attempt, and the ball reached Lagergren, who forced a seven-meter throw, and Edber scored for the final 27:26.
In the match for the bronze medal, Denmark defeated France with 35:32 after a great match and overtime.
