Both participants in this match had opened the World Championship with wins, and now Sweden claimed their second straight victory to go top of Group C.

However, Cape Verde also secured their progression, as did Brazil in the same group, while Uruguay are now sure to finish fourth and continue in the President's Cup.

Group C

Sweden vs Cape Verde 34:27 (19:8)

Before the start of the match, the rivals were level not only on points but also on goal difference, as both won by eight goals on Thursday. In fact, Cape Verde even held a superior position due to a higher number of scored goals.

However, the start of the encounter already showed that this equality was a mere illusion. Cheered by their home crowd in Gothenburg, the reigning European champions took firm control of the match from the opening minutes. They were absolutely dominant on the court – unlike in the previous match with Brazil, when they somewhat struggled in the first half. 

Andreas Palicka, the hero of that match, rested against Cape Verde. Still, his colleague Mikael Appelgren made six saves in the first 15 minutes and the Swedish defence was rock-solid, which allowed the European team to score from fast counterattacks. Midway through the first half, the co-hosts were already in a 10:2 lead. 

Cape Verde improved their attack later but Sweden, which boasted a 79% shot efficiency in the opening 30 minutes, showed no signs of slowing down. Hampus Wanne scored five goals before the break, contributing to his team's 11-goal lead.

The outcome was clear long before the final whistle, and although Sweden relaxed their approach in the second half and allowed Cape Verde to reduce the gap, their win was never in danger. As many as 12 of their players got their names on the scoresheet, with Hampus Wanne and Daniel Pettersson becoming the best scorers with five goals. 

The African side, who are playing only their second World Championship, scored 19 goals in the second half but hardly had a chance to turn the match around. Yet, their line player Felisberto Landim should be praised for scoring six goals from as many attempts, and overall reaching the main round is quite an achievement for Cape Verde.

With this win, Sweden are certain to finish top of the group and progress to the main round with a maximum of four points. On Monday, they will play Uruguay, who have lost the chance to go through. Cape Verde and Brazil, now level on two points, will fight for the second position in a direct duel. 

hummel Player of the Match: Mikael Appelgren (Sweden)