| Handball News |
Handball News  (20/01/2008) Déja vu for Slovakia as Sweden book place in Main Round |
The game was decided early by the Swedes who showed improving form.
Slovakia 25:41 Sweden (12:20)
Having seen Iceland blitz the Slovaks with agressive defence an scoring freely on the fast break, Sweden decided to follow suit and used the same method to discard their opponents in the first half. After four minutes they led by four goals to one and when the Slovaks scored their second goal, nine minutes into the match, the Swedes had scored seven. Their defence, brilliantly marshalled by Magnus Jernemyr, back after being injured against France, and with Dan Beutler in top form in goal, they made easy work of building up their lead.
For the Slovaks, steamrollered by Iceland in the first half, it was a strong feeling of déja vu. But to their credit, instead of folding, they fought back and for the rest of the half, gave as good as they got, containing the Swedes to an eight- goal lead at half-time, 20-12.
Sweden started the second half forcefully, and with Kiel duo Kim Andersson and Marcus Ahlm in inspired form, built on their lead, extending it to 12 goals in the first 10 minutes. After that, they coasted and won by 16 goals, 41-25.
Even though the Slovaks played well periodically, just like in their earlier games, they are a bit short on experience and quality to really mix it with the top teams. Unfortunately for them, they have to wait at least a year for their first victory at a major tournament.
The Swedes, on the other hand, are on schedule, advancing to the Main Round with the two points won against Iceland, and aim for a place at the Olympic qualifications. With their confidence high after two good victories in the group, they should prove a real handful for the opponents in the main group.
A youngster with a familiar name caught the eye in the second half. 19-year old Oscar Carlén, son of legend and former captain Per Carlén, scored five goals, his first at a major tournament, and this highly promising player could well be the face of Swedish handball‘s future. |
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