Republic of Korea impress as Sweden finally take win in Dortmund

Despite leading by double-digits in the first half, Sweden were made to sweat against Republic of Korea deep into the second period as a spirited fightback from the Asian side fell five goals short.

Main Round, Group IV
Sweden vs Republic of Korea 32:27 (20:11)

With both sides out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals ahead of this match, following Brazil’s win against Angola in the early match, a deflated Sweden still raced to a 11-goal lead after 20 minutes (18:7) as they looked to finish as high as possible outside of the top eight.

In the last quarter, this became an entertaining clash inside the Westfalenhalle as Korea pulled themselves back from being 13 down (25:12, 37th minute) to five (29:24, 51st), outscoring their opponents 12:4 in a 14-minute period.

But as their opponents came closer, goalkeeper Filippa Idehn – playing the second half after a first half which had seen Johanna Bundsen make 14 saves (56% save ratio) – would prove to be decisive as her saves at crucial moments against the Korean 7v6 attack would finally stop the momentum.

Despite the loss, Korea will look to the fact that they outscored their opponents 16:12 in a second period, using a number of youngsters who have been integrated into the squad ahead of the important Asian Games next year.

“We had tactics at the start which didn’t work so well, but in the last 15 minutes we tried very well,” said Korea’s Jeon Jiyeon after the game. “In Korea we play really fast-paced handball and in our last match we will try to show our best and play some fast handball.”

hummel Player of the Match: Johanna Bundsen (Sweden)