Sweden Dominates Croatia to Win Group at 2026 Handball European Championship

Sweden delivered an impressive performance, defeating Croatia 33-25 in the crucial group final of the 2026 Handball European Championship held at Malmö Arena. This victory marked Sweden’s third consecutive win in the tournament and secured them two points heading into the main round, positioning them strongly for the semifinals. The match was attended by 10,247 spectators eager to witness the intense showdown between two unbeaten teams in the group.

Goalkeepers Andreas Palicka and Mikael Appelgren were instrumental in Sweden’s success, with Palicka’s exceptional saves energizing both the team and crowd. Palicka himself described the game as "another level of performance," emphasizing the squad's harmony and defensive resilience. He notably contributed not only through goalkeeping but also scored a goal during the match. Early in the game, Appelgren’s three critical saves helped Sweden build an early lead, which they extended to 17-13 by halftime.

In addition to the goalkeepers, key players like Lukas Sandell, Eric Johansson, Felix Claar, and Albin Lagergren made important contributions. Sandell highlighted the team's aggressive style and their ability to punish Croatia’s errors effectively. Meanwhile, Albin Lagergren impressed by scoring four goals. Sweden maintained control during the second half, extending the lead significantly with only one goal conceded in the first ten minutes after Palicka took over the goalkeeping duties.

Swedish players and commentators praised the team’s growth and strategic execution under coach Mikael Appelgren. Sebastian Karlsson highlighted the ability to dictate the game's tempo, while Hampus Wanne noted the team’s improved understanding of the coach’s system and managing difficult phases during matches.

This commanding win against the reigning World Cup runners-up not only confirmed Sweden’s group victory but also boosted confidence for their forthcoming matches against Slovenia, Iceland, Hungary, and Switzerland. Media and analysts alike express strong belief in Sweden’s serious medal chances, referencing their history of medaling in three of the last four European Championships. A semifinal berth seems within reach as Sweden heads to Herning next weekend for the next competition phase.