Match Preview
Sweden no longer depend solely on their own results, but regardless of other outcomes, they will want to deliver a convincing performance in their final match at home. I am backing the Swedes to cover the handicap against an already eliminated Switzerland side.
Switzerland Enter With Nothing to Play For
Switzerland have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch at the European Championship 2026, managing to trouble several big-name opponents, but they were ultimately left without any semifinal chances some time ago.
They showed plenty of promise in the Main Round opener against Hungary, building a commanding six-goal lead by halftime. Defensive lapses proved costly, though, as the Red Crosses surrendered that advantage and had to settle for a 29-29 draw.
The knockout blow came on Sunday during their toughest offensive performance of the tournament. Against Croatia, the Swiss attack was completely neutralized, managing just 24 goals in a 28-24 defeat that officially ended their hopes of a deeper run.
Despite already being eliminated, Switzerland continued to cause problems yesterday, holding semifinal contenders Iceland to another 29-29 draw.
Sweden Still Chasing a Way Through
Even though things were looking very positive after the opening two weeks, Sweden are now close to elimination from the European Championship 2026, needing a win here and favorable results elsewhere in the final round.
After extending their winning streak to four straight games with a 35-31 victory over Slovenia in the Main Round opener, the Swedes suffered a shock 35-27 defeat to Iceland on Sunday, exposing several weaknesses in their defensive setup.
Those weaknesses were fully exploited by already eliminated Hungary last night, as the co-hosts were held to a stunning 32-32 draw. Sweden even had a chance to win it, but their goalkeeper missed a full-court game-winning shot by inches.