It will take a really good effort from Sweden to take two points on Wednesday night. Opponents Croatia are vice world champions and undefeated in the EC.
– Croatia has probably talked about slowing down the pace in the match, says Oscar Bergendahl.
Sweden has had an absolutely excellent start at the EC. After two safe victories against the Netherlands and Georgia, the team is ready for advancement to the main round.
– It has been stable overall. We have shown that we have incredible breadth in the squad, both offensively and defensively. Over 60 minutes, our opponents have had difficulty running with us. I think it looks promising, says the middle six Oscar Bergendahl.
Against the Netherlands and Georgia, Sweden was clearly stronger in the final stages of the matches. But initially they kept pace with the opposing teams.
You have shown great patience in the game…
– Yes, exactly like that. We believe in what we do and wear down the opponents over time. So far our constant running has resulted in victories.
The third and final task of the group stage awaits on Wednesday. The opposition is Croatia, which, like Sweden, has two wins under its belt.
The last time Croatia and Sweden played a match against each other was in the group stage of the 2024 Olympics. Sweden won 38–27.
– First of all, it will be a really fun match to play. I hope that it will be a public party in Malmö with many committed people in the stands. Croatia played in the World Cup final last year so they will be a tough nut to crack for us. But if we continue with what we have done so far, we have a good chance of winning.
What do you think Croatia talked about before the match against you? What do they want to stop in your game?
– They want a calmer match picture where they get time to defend themselves. They probably don’t want to get too tired.
Which team would benefit from a grumpy and ugly match image?
– I want to say that we would benefit from it, because I myself love to play such matches. But Croatia is one of the EC’s biggest teams. They have more kilos than we do, so it would be tough for us. But I want to think we can stand up well against them.
Oscar Bergendahl is one of three middle sixes in the Swedish European Championship squad. Also Max Darj and Felix Möller included in the crowd of blue-yellow line players.
How would you describe Felix Möller as a teammate?
– Felix is an incredibly lovely guy who I like very much. He is a super nice person and a good handball player who will only get better. He will carry this national team for many years to come. He owns almost every piece in the game already.
In what way does Felix complement you and Max?
– He is slightly bigger than we are and works a little more cover. Me and Max are more aggressive instead. But despite his size, Felix has quick and fine feet that do well in the duel game. He is not too different from us.
So far this season, Magdeburg player Oscar Bergendahl has played 38 games with club and national teams. The result is 35 wins, two crosses and one loss. The only defeat came in a friendly against Spain with the national team in Linköping.
How come you’ve only lost one game this season?
– I play in two very good teams. That is the simple answer. Then you hate to lose too. That’s it.
Do all the victories make you a happier handball player?
– Yes, you will. Everyday life becomes easier and safer. When I played in Stuttgart, we lost a lot of games and I remember that there was more stress.
There is an old coaching truism that says “for every win you get, you get closer to a loss”. Doesn’t seem right for you?
– Haha, I don’t know. In Magdeburg we are rubbing shoulders and are stable in league and cup games. Then we’re aware that we’re going to be in trouble. But it is important to go for the right tips so that it does not become too expensive.
Should Bergendahl go down and lose against Croatia on Wednesday night, it could be costly for Sweden’s chances in the main round. The winner of the match between Sweden and Croatia takes the points to the main round, where matches against Slovenia, Iceland and Hungary, among others, await.
– It will be super important for us to continue to believe in the game. Unlike the matches against Georgia and the Netherlands, we will not decide this match at the start of the second half. But it will probably be more even than that. But hopefully Croatia will find it difficult to run with us for 60 minutes.
Who in the Croatian team do you need to watch out for?
– Many would probably have said the right wing Ivan Martinovic. But I think their leftist Zvonimir Srna looks sharp. He is explosive and hard to stop.
Text: Olof Thyrelius
Photo: Matilda Schuler/Bildbyrån
