Flawless win against Argentina sees Sweden earn Tokyo 2020 ticket

20 Mar. 2021

Flawless win against Argentina sees Sweden earn Tokyo 2020 ticket

For the fourth time in a row, the Sweden women’s national team are qualified for the Olympic Games after a flawless 34:21 win against Argentina.

With one win and one draw in the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020, the Scandinavian side cannot lose one of the first two places that ensure safe passage to the Olympic Games.

TOURNAMENT 1
Sweden vs Argentina 34:21 (17:8)

For five minutes, Argentina looked like they could challenge Sweden. It was only an early outburst from the South American side, who scored twice, yet could not sustain the rhythm throughout the game.

It might have been the lack of games or even training sessions for the Argentinian side, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when Sweden started to get into their groove, it was game over.

A superb performance from goalkeeper Johanna Bundsen, who saved 12 shots in the first half, for an otherworldly 60% saving efficiency was the building block for the Swedish win, as the gap ballooned to 10:4 after only 18 minutes. 

While Argentina’s left back Elke Karsten had an off night in the first half, scoring only once from four shots, Sweden duly took advantage through their collective play. All of their 17 goals in the first half were assisted by teammates, as Argentina’s defence struggled to stop the Scandinavian side, with Sweden scoring five times via fast breaks.

The nine-goal advantage took at the break by Sweden was unassailable, especially as Argentina needed a huge improvement from their 32% shooting efficiency they managed in the first half.

With 61 guests in the stands invited by the Royal Spanish Handball Federation, all practicing social distancing, as per a new Spanish law that allows 500 spectators during games, Sweden continued their rout, with Argentina already thinking about tomorrow’s game, against Spain.

Only one of Sweden’s 14 outfield players, centre back Melissa Petren, did not manage to score in this game, as the gap continued to grow, 27:16, with 12 minutes to go, despite Karsten slowly getting back into form for Argentina.

Eventually, Sweden clinched a flawless 34:21 win, as Argentina had little to no chance, despite improving in the second half.

With three points after their games at Tournament 1 of the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020, Sweden are assured a place between the 12 teams that will take part in this summer’s Olympic Games, one week after the Swedish men’s national team earned their tickets to Tokyo 2020.

Meanwhile, Argentina have a must-win game against Spain on Sunday, as they must earn their first-ever win against a European side to progress to Tokyo 2020. 

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio