Sweden Drop Control in Semi-Final Race: Hungary Force 32–32
Dramatic draw in Malmo take destiny from the Swedish hands!
After a painful loss to Iceland in the previous round, Sweden went into the match against Hungary not only to keep their semi-final hopes alive at the European Championship, but also to respond in front of their home crowd. Hungary, on the other hand, arrived with just one point and sat bottom of the Main Round Group 2 table—practically without any real chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Hungary started better, opening the scoring through Ilic, and until the 7th minute neither team managed to create separation. The first serious advantage went Hungary’s way after goals from Imre and Bodo for +2 (6:4), with strong pivot Miklós Rosta causing major problems for Sweden’s defence.
Sweden were pulled back into the game by an in-form Felix Claar. The Magdeburg playmaker was the key figure in a 5:1 run that turned the score around, giving the hosts a 10:8 lead in the 17th minute. However, Hungary stayed composed, Imre quickly levelled, and the visitors continued with brave, disciplined handball until the break. Rosta made it 16:14 to set the half-time score.
Claar again took responsibility after the restart, and Sweden scored their first goal of the second half after nearly four minutes. What followed was an evenly balanced battle: Sweden more often held a one-goal edge, but Hungary consistently answered every challenge. In the closing minutes the visitors even went in front at 31:30 through Sipos with under two minutes to play, but Sweden hit back immediately—Pettersson equalised in the very next attack.
A dramatic finish followed. At 32:32, Hungary lost possession in the final seconds due to an attacking foul by Zoltán Szita (although VAR showed that Wanne was in 6m space), and Andreas Palicka tried to hit the empty net from his own goal. The ball, however, went wide of the post…
It ended 32:32—a result that keeps Sweden in suspense and still fighting for a European Championship semi-final spot. Sweden’s top scorer was Felix Claar with 10 goals, and he was also named Man of the Match. For Hungary, Miklós Rosta and Bence Imre scored eight each.
Sweden – Hungary 32:32 (14:16)
Sweden: Palicka (7 saves), Appelgren (2); Carlsbogard 2, Darj, Möller 1, Pettersson 4, Karlsson 2, Wanne 5, Claar 10, Lagergren 4, Gottfridsson 2, Roganovic, Bergendahl, Sandell 1, Johansson 1, Montebovi.
Hungary: Palasics (9 saves), Bartucz; Sipos 1, Boka 2, Pergel, Ligetvari 1, Papp, Krakovszki, Fazekas 2, Szita 3, Bodo 3, Ilic 4, Rosta 8, Lukacs, Hanusz, Imre 8.
Mandatory Credit © Jozo Cabraja / kolektiff
