Hosts from Sweden are playing in Stockholm, Arena Hovet where matches of group A are organised. Opponents will be Spain, Serbia and Slovenia.
In the first game of the group Serbia – Slovenia 36-34 (17-16).
In this game two strong teams faced each other, Spain is the runner-up from EURO 2014 and Sweden bronze medalists at the same competition. This is the match which can decide the first place of the group, very important points to be taken with to the Main Round. Sweden is on home court, Spain arrived with a somehow rejuvenated team.
The first quarter was a close race, typical play for an opening game, the two teams seemed to be at the same level. Then Signell called a timeout and Sweden set up a tougher defence, gaining opportunities to fastbreaks. Seven goals managed hosts to put behind Navarro after counter attacks and after 8-8 they won the first half 14-10.
After the break Spain tried everything but their attack did not work in front of the strong Swedish wall and Johanna Bundsen raised her level of play in the goal, all these combined was too much for Jorge Duenas and his team which had to see themselves defeated by a better team tonight.
Sweden – Spain 25 – 19 (14 – 10)
Goals:
Sweden: Idéhn, Bundsen – Sand 2, Mellegaard 2, Alm 5, Roberts 3, Westberg, Gulldén 2, Strömberg, Odén 1, Jakobsen 1, Blomstrand, Hagman 5, Ekenman-Fernis 1, Blohm 2, Lagerquist 1
Spain: Navarro, Zoqbi de Paula – A.Gonzalez 1, Egozkue, Alberto 1, L.Gonzalez, Cabral Barbosa 3, Aguilar, Pena 1, Mangue 3, M.Gonzalez 2, Lopez, Martin 7, Chavez 1, A.Rodriguez, Hernandez, Sans Serra
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