Handball World Cup: Sweden Blow Five-Goal Lead Against Spain

Sweden and Spain played out a thrilling 29-29 draw in the Handball World Cup, with Alex Dujshebaev's late equalizer denying Sweden a crucial win.

In a thrilling handball match, Sweden squandered a five-goal lead against Spain, ultimately settling for a 29-29 draw. The intense clash between the two nations was a rematch of their bronze medal meeting at the 2023 World Cup. With two points on the line, the stage was set for a dramatic encounter.

Spain was hindered by the absence of their two right wingers, Kauldi Odriozola and Aleix Gomez, which became apparent as Sweden dominated the early stages of the match. Led by superb goalkeeping from Andreas Palicka, who boasted a 31% saving efficiency by the end of the first half, Sweden opened up a 9-4 lead. Palicka's impressive performance helped Sweden maintain control of the match.

At halftime, Spanish coach Jordi Ribera attempted to adjust his team's defensive strategy, switching from a classic 6-0 to a more aggressive 5-1 formation. Despite this change, Sweden maintained their lead, heading into the interval with a 16-11 advantage. However, the Swedes' lack of diversity in attack would eventually prove costly

In the second half, Spain's superior energy levels and player rotation allowed them to mount a comeback. As the match wore on, Sweden's control began to slip, and Alex Dujshebaev capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the equalizing goal seven minutes from the end. The thrilling 29-29 draw was a testament to the intense rivalry between the two nations.

In a heart-stopping finale, Sweden took a 29-28 lead with less than 60 seconds remaining, courtesy of a penalty conversion by Niklas Ekberg. However, their joy was short-lived, as Alex Dujshebaev equalized with just seven seconds left on the clock. Dujshebaev's fortunate shot hit both posts before beating Andreas Palicka, securing a 29-29 draw for Spain.

Toothless first half from Spain as Sweden have dominated

Petar Cikusa on to try change that pic.twitter.com/KAj4OYxTBx

— (Un)informed Handball Hour (@HandballHour) January 20, 2025

The thrilling draw means that both Sweden and Spain will enter the main round with three points each, trailing Portugal by just one point. Meanwhile, several other teams secured their spots in the main round, including Chile, who made history by clinching a main round berth for the first time in eight appearances at the Handball World Cup. Chile achieved this feat with an impressive 31-26 win over Japan.

Cape Verde, with a population of less than 500,000 inhabitants, also defied the odds to secure a spot in the main round for only the second time in their history. They accomplished this with a convincing 38-28 victory over Cuba. Elsewhere, Iceland owed a debt of gratitude to their goalkeeper, Viktor Hallgrimsson, who delivered a fine performance to help his team cruise to a five-goal win over Slovenia (23-18). This victory secured first place in Group G for Iceland, earning them two points to carry into the main round.