Updated 19:31 | Published 19:18
Sweden has had a nightmare start to the volleyball EC.
In the second group stage match against Greece, there was a loss again since Sweden did not get up to par. The final score was 3–1 in a set for the Greeks.
full screenSweden is still chasing its first victory in the EC. Archive image. Photo: Henrik Eberlund/TT
After the expected loss in the opening match against world number one Turkey, the plan was for Sweden to take its first victory against Greece.
But the Swedes once again had a tough night in Düsseldorf and fell for the second game in a row.
It started far from perfect for Sweden. The Greeks won the first set 25–23. Now and then, Sweden felt like a nervous team that was still chasing its first set win in the EC.
They wouldn’t have to wait long. In the second set, Sweden took command and won 25–19 after superstar Isabelle Haak presented her smash in earnest.
The third set was a tight story, but where Sweden again did not get the game right. Greece won 27–25 despite Sweden having set ball twice.
In the fourth set, Greece played with great confidence, while the Swedes looked taken by the seriousness of the moment. Greece secured the victory by 25–22.
With the loss, Sweden is last in Group C. Next up is the host nation and World XI Germany on Monday evening. In order to progress to the round of 16 from the six-nation group, Sweden needs to finish in the top four.
FACT
Sweden’s EC matches
Sweden plays in Group C in Düsseldorf, Germany. All of Sweden’s matches are broadcast on SVT and Sweden needs to finish top four in the group to advance to the round of 16.
Group stage, remaining matches:
August 21: Sweden–Germany (8 p.m.)
August 23: Sweden–Azerbaijan (8 p.m.)
August 24: Sweden–Czech Republic (17.00)
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2023-08-19 17:32:14
#Swedish #nightmare #fell #volleyball
