Sweden survive German fightback to take bronze
The Swedes were leading 9-6 when the game was suspended due to a medical emergency in the crowd. Both team doctors went into the stands to assist, and one gave a ‘thumbs up’ sign before the casualty was stretchered out of the Lanxess Arena.
That break did not interrupt the dethroned champions’ flow as right wing Sebastian Karlsson helped them jump out into a 14-7 advantage which became 18-12 at half-time.
Roared on by the home crowd, Germany improved after the interval. Renars Uscins and Juri Knorr enjoyed greater success in attack as they closed the gap to three.
A couple of quick goals from Claar put Sweden back in charge but the Germans were not finished and a goal on the fast break from Christoph Steinart reduced the deficit to just two inside the last eight minutes before the excellent Uscins made it 29-30 moments later.
After Hampus Wanne had scored for Sweden, Germany goalkeeper Andreas Wolff made a fine save before Palicka replied in kind.
And after Karlsson – who finished with seven goals from 11 attempts – cleverly lobbed Wolff to open the gap to three again with a couple of minutes to go, the Swedes were able to see out the win.
With France and world champions Denmark – both of whom already have Olympic quota spots – contesting the final, the one Paris 2024 berth up for grabs in the tournament went to the winner of the third-place playoff.
The final takes place later on Sunday with France the only unbeaten side remaining in the competition.
