Swedish women’s volleyball team rushes into the final at ESL.
Last night, they stepped up as the new captain of the group – after a gigantic thriller against Portugal.
Great volleyball, says expert Andrea Jacobson at SVT.
The European Silver League entered its decisive phase when the group final between Portugal and Sweden was decided late on Wednesday night.
It became a meaningless drama.
The match started at 22.00 but was not decided until after midnight.
Sweden – led by superstar Isabel Haack – excelled in the first set that ended 25-13, but then Portugal got up and drew 1-1 in sets and then put a lot of pressure on Sweden.
The third set lasted 34 minutes and ended 26-24 against Sweden.
Fourth group? More dramatic.
Alexandra Lazic came in and changed the picture of the match, but despite three Swedish balls for the match, it was Portugal who won the set (32-30) and rocked the decisive fifth set.
What is volleyball now, said expert Andrea Jacobson at SVT.
Swedish match seven balls
Once in the judging group, it was Portugal’s turn first to burn three matches, but then Sweden could finally – after nearly three hours of play and on the seventh ball in total – decide to block the numbers 21-19.
This means that you are progressing as a new group leader.
We beat a very good team at home. This is something that will help us develop as a team, says league captain Laurie Hakala in a comment on the league’s website.
Advance to the final
Two matches remained in the group stage, with Sweden remaining against Luxembourg and Slovenia at home.
If the results go as expected, you secure a place in the final, most likely against Portugal at home.
The final takes place on 2 July and the winner there advances to the First Division Gold, where the best teams in the world are located.
