Sweden wants revenge against Spain
In 2018, the Drei-Kronen-Team was very close to the fifth place EM– Triumph after 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2002. But the final was clearly lost with 23:29. The opponent then as now: Spain. “We want to return the favor. I hope our time will come. It’s going to be a massive game and it feels great to be a part of it.”said backcourt player Jonathan Caarlsbogard from the Bundesliga club TBV Lemgo before the gold duel with the defending champion this Sunday (01/30/2022, 6:00 p.m.) in Budapest.
The fact that Palicka can be there strengthens the self-confidence of the World Cup runner-up. “He helps us a lot. Not only on the field, but also off it. He’s our captain, a great person and a great goalkeeper.”said Caarlsbogard.
Goalkeeper Palicka shines in the semifinals
With a monster parade against Ludovic Fabregas just a few seconds before the end, Palicka saved his team from extra time in Friday night’s thriller semi-final against France. “I just threw myself against it”, he described the decisive scene. Memories of the legendary German goalkeeper Andreas Thiel were awakened, who before the turn of the millennium had been given the admiring nickname “the witcher” because of his outstanding saves.
It was the culmination of a gala performance, which he also garnished with a European Championship record. The long-time Bundesliga professional, who played from 2008 to 2015 at the THW Kiel played and just prematurely terminated his contract with the Rhein-Neckar Löwen in 2016. No goalkeeper before him has managed such a feat. “Of course it’s great when you come out of isolation like that”the equally outstanding director Jim Gottfridsson praised the goalkeeper.
“Jumped around on the bed like a 10-year-old”
Palicka had to go into quarantine last Monday after a positive test. A difficult time of uncertainty and powerlessness followed, which almost drove him mad, especially in the main round final against Norway. “Watching that game against Norway alone in the hotel room on TV – I’ve never felt so bad. Things were flying and I was jumping on the bed like a 10-year-old.”, reported Palicka. In the end, thanks to an incredible comeback in the final minutes, Sweden still managed to win and reach the semifinals.
Now the Scandinavians are even reaching for their first title in 20 years. Palicka is confident that the long dry spell is finally over. “There’s an incredible morale in this team. If someone can’t perform at their best, someone else will. This team is made up of nothing but heroes.”, said the veteran. They finally want to step out of the shadow of the golden generation of handball player Magnus Wislander of the century.
dpa, red
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Status: 01/29/2022, 21:53