In an arena with approximately 20,000 German fans, Sweden stood out as the team in the first half. However, Germany improved in the second half and put considerable pressure on Sweden. In the end, Sweden emerged victorious, winning 34–31. This means that Sweden takes home the bronze medal and secures a spot in the Olympics.
Both teams were evenly matched initially, with the first few minutes marked by mistakes. After barely three minutes, Andreas Palicka was hit in the head by a shot but chose to continue playing and made several saves. After just over eleven minutes of play, the score was 7–4, and Sweden had pulled ahead.
Germany had periods of ineffective offensive play but blocked several of Sweden’s shots in defense. The match was characterized by both long offensive plays and a high tempo. Andreas Palicka, for example, saved a penalty, and Sebastian Karlsson remained secure in his position. The match was interrupted for a period when medical attention was called for a spectator in the stands.
Andreas Palicka continued to make saves, and with ten minutes left in the first half, Sweden led 12–7. Germany brought in David Späth in goal to try to stop Sweden’s scoring trend. Felix Claar excelled in both offense and defense, contributing with goals and assists. Julian Köster took responsibility in the German offense, but Sweden continued to control the game. The standout player of the first half was undoubtedly Andreas Palicka
Halftime score: Sweden-Germany 18–12
Sweden started somewhat hesitantly, with two missed attempts. However, Sebastian Karlsson showcased himself in excellent form, scoring 19-13, and shortly thereafter, Albin Lagergren threw in 20–13. The Germans narrowed the gap, and after ten minutes, Sweden had only a four-goal lead. Tobias Thulin was substituted in as Andreas Palicka didn’t quite have the same accuracy as in the first half.
Germany played significantly better in the second half, with Juri Knorr scoring three quick goals. Felix Claar was decisive in the offensive, adding two crucial goals. With less than fifteen minutes remaining, the score was 26–22. Sweden capitalized on their seven against six play, but had a harder time holding back the Germans in defense.
With ten minutes left, the score was 29–25, and Germany fought to close the gap. Sweden made mistakes in the offensive play, and Germany slowly but surely caught up ball after ball. The Germans pressed Sweden heavily, but Andreas Palicka, back in goal, managed to save two incredibly important situations. With less than four minutes remaining, Renars Uscins reduced the score to 32–30. Sweden made mistakes in the offensive, but Andreas Palicka saved in the defense.
Andreas Wolff saved Sebastian Karlsson’s breakaway, and the match hung in the balance. Max Darj received an unnecessary two-minute suspension with 30 seconds left. Albin Lagergren scored 34–31, and shortly thereafter, Andreas Palicka made another crucial save. This means that Sweden emerged victorious in the bronze match and secured a spot in the Olympics.