In one of the biggest surprises at the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship so far, Sweden defeated France to claim their third win at Spain 2019 and draw level with the U20 EHF EURO 2018 silver medallists on six points in Group B. Sweden took the lead after 10 minutes and France trailed from that stage, succumbing to a surprising defeat at the final whistle while Sweden enjoyed a big celebration. 

GROUP B
Sweden vs France 27:23 (15:11)

Against such an opponent, Sweden’s celebration at the buzzer was warranted. France have claimed a medal at every major international championship for this age category, but on Saturday against Sweden they had no answer once they fell behind. France simply lacked their usual power, and even 2017 Youth World Championship MVP Kyllian Villeminot, who has proven such a powerful asset on so many occasions, could not mastermind attacks that were enough to help his side draw level. 

Both teams’ goalkeepers started strong but as the clock ticked on Sweden’s Erik Hvenfelt clearly won the contest between the posts. The keeper finished with 10 saves at 35%, including two penalties. In the 54th minute, at 23:19, Hvenfelt came off for Mads Landgren to face a penalty, and Landgren also saved the shot, leading coach Jerry Hallback to keep him on the field. 

Sweden rotated their line-up extensively, while France kept mainly their starting side on the court – but while everything clicked into place for Sweden, the U18 EHF EURO 2016 champions just could not find their usual rhythm. As the first quarter came to a close, Sweden had built a three-goal lead, 7:4. France called a time-out in the 17th when Sweden pulled in front 9:5, but the four-goal distance remained at the break. 

In a physical, emotional clash, France fought hard to decrease the deficit in the second period, changing their defensive system between variations in 5-1. With 15 minutes left, Sweden had pulled further ahead, 22:16, and they held steady at 23:18 in the 50th. 

With their goalkeepers in great form and all the momentum on their side, Sweden seemed to maintain the advantage easily. When Samuel Lindberg sunk a penalty goal in the 58th minute the outcome was decided. 

Player of the match: David Sandberg, Sweden