With their backs against the wall and short two key players, Sweden’s men came out swinging on Friday to outplay Croatia and launch themselves back into the mix for the quarter-finals at Paris 2024.
Albin Lagergren was one of the few regulars in the back court for the match and was delighted with the collective effort.
“I think we showed real character against Croatia and Jonathan Evardsson played a really good match, he brought a bit of flow and confidence and that’s what you need sometimes,” says Lagergren, keen to point out the impact the new arrival made on his Olympic debut.
“We were lacking a bit of aggression in the defence at the beginning but then we found it and when we’re able to help Palicka a bit, he’s a really great goalkeeper and was able to make the big saves.”
Setting the pace
It’s been a mixed bag of a campaign for the Swedes so far with two wins and two losses showcasing the best and worst of this team.
“I think it all starts in the defence. In the games we haven’t played that well, we’ve allowed the opponent to dictate the tempo, but when we play well it’s us deciding the tempo and that’s the key for us.”
“We have to play like this against Japan as well, otherwise it will be very tough for us. Another area of improvement will have to be our shooting, we missed a few too many good chances, but if we take that away, I think we’ll be looking really good.”
Sweden have wrestled back control of their destiny with this victory. If they can follow it up with a win over bottom-placed Japan on Sunday morning, then a spot in the quarter-finals will be theirs.