Sweden Wall Blocks Women's Handball "Gap with Europe Widens" (Comprehensive)

Lost all four matches against European teams
"Without change, it will be harder in international competitions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The women's handball national team failed to advance to the semifinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. On the 4th, they lost 30-39 to Sweden in the women's handball quarterfinals held at Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. After finishing 4th in the 2012 London Games, they challenged the Olympic semifinals for the first time in nine years but were blocked by the opponent's tall defense. Sweden topped Group B in the group stage by defeating strong teams such as the Russian Olympic Committee and Spain. On the other hand, the national team barely advanced to the quarterfinals with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses in Group A of the group stage.

The difference in strength was clearly evident in the match. Sweden dominated throughout, ending the first half at 13-21. The national team failed to score for about seven minutes after the start of the second half. Main scorer Ryu Eun-hee (Gy?ri Audi ETO KC, Hungary) was limited to one goal, unable to turn the game around.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Coach Kang Jae-won said, "The players did their best, but it seems the gap with Europe has widened further." The national team lost all four matches against European teams in this tournament, including Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Montenegro. Coach Kang added, "European players are not only taller but also faster than us," and commented, "If there is no change, it will be even harder in future international competitions." This meant that although they had previously compensated for their physical disadvantages with individual skills and speed, their unique strengths are now disappearing.