Sweden kept their perfect record at North Macedonia 2024, as a win against Czechia, 28:24, helped them to progress to the main round. This result also means that People's Republic of China are through to the main round, while Czechia head to the President's Cup. 

GROUP E
Sweden vs Czechia 28:24 (17:14)

Even a draw would have been enough for Sweden to secure their main round berth, but they were determined to earn their third straight win at North Macedonia 2024. In turn, Czechia had been frustrated by a surprising defeat against People's Republic of China the day before, but they could still go through in case of defeating the Scandinavian side.

The sides were tied at 3:3 before Sweden started to pull clear, as pivot Stina Wiksfors and right back Thea Kylberg powered them to a 5:1 run. Czechia took a timeout, but the Swedes continued to set the tone, punishing their rivals for multiple mistakes and extending the gap to 14:8 in the 20th minute.

However, Czechia started to hit back in the first half, when four consecutive goals helped them to cut the deficit to 13:16. At the break, the Nordic side still led by three goals, 17:14, yet their rivals harboured hopes for a second-half comeback. 

In the second half, Sweden led by three to four goals for most of the time, as the goalkeepers of both sides did well – Stina Littorin ended the game with 14 saves, and Patricie Wizurova stopped 16 shots. Czechia did their best to avoid another defeat, and following a 3:0 run, they slashed the gap to 24:25 with just three minutes left.

But Sweden held their nerve and won by four goals, 28:24, as centre back Emma Mihailovic became their top scorer with nine goals and was named Alcaloid Player of the Match. So the Scandinavians finished top of Group E with six points and will take two points to the main round, while Czechia took the third place and will have to continue in the consolation tournament. 

Alkaloid Player of the Match: Emma Mihailovic (Sweden)