European Championship Final: Sweden vs. Spain – Budapest, 6:00 PM

High stakes finals...

Sweden still holds the record for most gold medals at the European Championship with four titles. But those were all back in the nineties—specifically 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000.

That was a different era. The golden age of Swedish handball, led by Magnus Wislander, who I guess was considered the best player of the 20th century.

Then there's Spain. They’ve basically owned the European Championship over the last decade. In the last five tournaments, they've grabbed two golds, a silver, and a bronze. They also took fourth back in 2012 after losing the bronze medal match to the US.

Sweden is maybe the only team ever to pull off three straight European golds. Aside from Spain, nobody else has even managed two in a row. So, either Spain joins them at the top, or Sweden finally reclaims its spot as the powerhouse of the sport.

Referees: Robert Schulz and Tobias Tönnies

I find myself rooting for Sweden. They are easily the most likable Scandinavian squad, alongside Iceland.

So, what’s the word on the lineup announcements? Is Palicka actually going to be holding things down on the ice, or what? ☕

So, I guess after that wild Denver vs. Frankfurt rollerball showdown, we really need to start bracing ourselves for whatever tactical defensive madness Spain throws at us next.
Let's go, Sweden!!!!!
👋

Greece and Rehagel 🙂

Palicka 🙏

But Corrales is hitting back too

Why is Corrales starting in goal today?

Spain is playing hide-and-seek with their defense in the 20th minute.😁
It seems River always keeps an ace up his sleeve, doesn't he?

The Swedes are making their move, slow and steady

Robert Doyle8 said:I wonder why Corales was starting in goal today...

There isn't really a rule governing this, though it likely comes down to tactical decisions regarding which team fits better with which player...

It feels like Canellas spends his whole career moving in slow motion or something, but man, he always finds a way to make the big plays. I guess he’ll just be that wild card everyone keeps forgetting about for the next ten years.
😬

Jack Kelly5 said:It feels like Canellas has spent his entire career playing in slow motion, yet somehow he always manages to pull ahead... and honestly, I think he’ll be the ultimate wildcard for the next decade or so...
😬

It probably happened, but you have to admit it's pretty hilarious

Spain is playing much like they did in the semifinals, though the Swedes are certainly putting up a fight...

What a nailbiter. One can only imagine the tension felt by the fans.

Canellas was useless today, which is exactly why Gotfridsson can't find his rhythm for the whole tournament. It’s just a matter of time before the rest of the Gitanos bench gets dragged into this mess once things start falling apart 🙏

Good grief, how on earth does one gamble it all away like this? These people just keep winning, don't they? 😢

How does one go passive immediately after a timeout?

What kind of finale is this? 🙏

My hands are actually shaking, haha

🙏 Seven rounds left to go

Sweden takes the title in Europe