The Swedish men’s handball team played to a 28-28 draw against Iceland in a pre-World Championship friendly match in Kristianstad, watched by nearly 4,500 spectators. The first half showcased a mixed bag of performance from the Swedes. While displaying flashes of their potential, they also committed a number of unforced errors, gifting Iceland easy goals and allowing them to remain competitive. Swedish winger Hampus Wanne acknowledged this deficiency during the halftime break, lamenting the team’s generosity in possession. Iceland, for their part, demonstrated a commendable level of play, capitalizing on Swedish mistakes and maintaining pressure throughout the half. The score at halftime reflected the evenly matched contest, standing at 16-16.
The second half saw Olle Forsell-Schefvert, a late addition to the squad replacing the injured Oscar Bergendahl, receive significant playing time. Forsell-Schefvert slotted into the central defensive position and also contributed offensively, showcasing his versatility. Meanwhile, Eric Johansson provided some offensive spark, firing in several high-quality shots from distance. However, veteran right-winger Niclas Ekberg, returning to the national team after a two-year hiatus, had limited opportunities to impact the game, receiving few passes in his comeback performance following his retirement after the 2023 World Championship. Despite the even scoreline, the Swedes recognized areas for improvement, particularly in reducing technical errors and tightening their overall play.
The match continued to be a close affair, with the score remaining tied at 25-25 with 15 minutes remaining. Neither team could establish a decisive advantage, and the match ultimately ended in a 28-28 draw, a fair reflection of the closely fought contest. Following the match, Eric Johansson expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory, anticipating improvement with each training session and expressing optimism for the upcoming World Championship. He acknowledged the need for refinement but remained unfazed by the draw, emphasizing the difference in playing style between Iceland and their upcoming World Championship opener against Japan.
National team coach Michael Apelgren echoed Johansson’s sentiments, noting both the positive and negative aspects of the team’s performance. While pleased to avoid defeat, he acknowledged the need for improvement in several areas. Apelgren emphasized the distinction between facing Iceland in a friendly and their upcoming World Championship opponent, Japan, suggesting that the team’s preparations will be tailored accordingly. The draw against Iceland served as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas needing attention before the start of the tournament.
The Swedish team’s focus now shifts to their final pre-World Championship friendly against Iceland, scheduled to take place in Malmö on Saturday. This match presents a further opportunity to refine their strategies, address the identified weaknesses, and build momentum before the start of the tournament. The coaching staff will likely utilize this game to experiment with different combinations and solidify their starting lineup for the World Championship opener. The players, in turn, will aim to improve their cohesion and individual performances, striving to enter the tournament in peak form.
The ultimate goal is to deliver a strong performance in the World Championship, starting with their opening match against Japan in Oslo on January 16th. The team’s preparations, including the friendly matches against Iceland, are crucial steps in this journey. The draw against Iceland, while not a resounding victory, offered valuable insights and allowed the team to assess their strengths and weaknesses under competitive conditions. The lessons learned from this match, coupled with continued training and adjustments, will be instrumental in determining their success in the upcoming tournament. The team’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to improvement will be key factors in their quest for World Championship glory.
