Sweden improved their ranking by four places in comparison with the previous IHF Men’s Junior World Championship in Algeria, where they placed 15th, thanks to a six-goal victory over Brazil in Vigo. Despite the defeat, Brazil also rank higher than at Algeria 2017, where they finished 18th. 

11/12 PLACEMENT MATCH
Brazil vs Sweden 30:36 (18:20) 

It was always going to be difficult for Brazil to play at their top level following their eighth-final the day prior to the 11/12 placement game. Sweden had also contested the eighth-finals, but their match was not as close or mentally and emotionally challenging as Brazil’s.

The Scandinavian team lost to Tunisia by three goals, while Brazil were defeated by one, scored in the dying seconds of their match. Brazil’s game was also a tumultuous one, which saw them create a clear advantage in the first half before Norway came back. Norway then took their turn pulling ahead, by six goals, yet Brazil fought back for a level end to the thrilling game. 

That match has surely left Brazil with less power than usual, and that was reflected in the progression of the score. Brazil were in charge of the match versus Sweden in the first 20 minutes, before the European side grabbed the momentum. Brazil led by three goals after 10 minutes, 8:5, and stayed in front 12:10 at the 20-minute mark.

But four minutes later, Sweden had moved in front by one – and the South American side did not take the advantage again. Brazil fought to keep level and managed to equalise more than once in the opening to the second period, however, as the last quarter began, it was clear they would need another miracle comeback, like that they pulled off against Norway, as Sweden had created a 28:23 lead. 

When Sweden hit an eight-goal distance, 34:26 in the 53rd minute then 35:27 in the 54th, it was clear they were on their way to victory. 

The top scorer of the game was Sweden’s Ludvig Jurmala Astrom, with seven goals.