Late Drama in Malmö: Switzerland Denied as Iceland Salvage a Draw
Iceland were on the brink of defeat against Switzerland, having chased the score for almost the entire match. Still, in a tense finish the Icelanders managed to salvage a point—and could even have snatched the win had they organized their final attack better. In the end, the game finished 38:38, further complicating the situation in a group where Croatia, Slovenia and Sweden are also battling for a semi-final place.
Switzerland played with inspiration in the first half and kept a two-to-three-goal cushion for long stretches, but “the Fishermen” steadied themselves and went into the break level at 19:19.
After the restart, Iceland struck first and moved ahead 20:19, but their lead didn’t last. Andy Schmid’s side quickly regained control and kept Iceland in the red all the way until the 58th minute. The final two minutes, however, brought pure drama: Iceland wiped out the deficit and earned a chance for a complete turnaround. Their last possession was poorly executed, though, so a share of the points ultimately felt like the most realistic outcome.
With this draw Iceland move to five points in Group 2, but the result could play into the hands of Croatia and Slovenia, who face each other at 18:00. After that match, much more will be clearer in the semi-final race. Switzerland’s top scorer was Noam Leopold with seven goals, while on the other side Elidi Vidarson and Ori Torkelson scored eight each.
Switzerland – Iceland 38:38 (19:19)
Switzerland: Portner (7 saves), Scheidiger; Meister, Rubin 4, M. Zehnder, Aellen 5, Kusio 2, Röthlisberger, Maros 1, Steenaerts 6, Laube 5, Sigrist 4, S. Zehnder, Willecke 2, Leopold 7, Ben Romdhane 2.
Iceland: Hallgrimsson (8 saves), Gustavsson (3 saves); Rikhardsson 3, Smarason 2, V. Kristjansson 7, Elisson, G. Kristjansson 5, Gislason, Magnusson 3, Gunnarsson, Vidarsson 8, Thorkelsson 8, Arnarsson, Einarsson, Thrastarson 1, Olafsson 1.
