Under the spotlight: Jim Gottfridsson
The SG Flensburg-Handewitt centre back is one of the most experienced players in the squad picked by coach Glenn Solberg. It may look like he has been around forever, but he only turned 29 last September. Surrounded by very young players on the back court, he will have to turn all the notes into a symphony.
As for many centre backs, his performance will play a huge role in his team’s collective performance. If Gottfridsson is at his best, just like at the last world championship or at EHF EURO 2018, Sweden should not be far from a medal.
Did you know?
Out of the 18 players that lost the EHF EURO 2018 final in Croatia, only seven were named on the Swedish squad for EHF EURO 2022. When taking over as coach in 2020, Glenn Solberg decided it was time to give its chance to the younger generation. Former regulars such as Jesper Nielsen, Lukas Nilsson or Jerry Tollbring were left out in favour of players that are not yet playing in top clubs.
The future showed that his decision was the right one, with Jonathan Carlsbogard, Felix Claar and Lucas Pellas playing a decisive role in recent performances for Sweden. But the turnover might not be over yet, so prepare yourselves to see some more new faces in the next few years.
What the numbers say
4 European titles – that is the record held by five former Swedish international players: Ola Lindgren, Stefan Lövgren, Staffan Olsson, Magnus Wislander and Martin Frändesjö.
Only one player has the opportunity to match their record at EHF EURO 2022, France’s Nikola Karabatic, who has so far won three gold medals in the competition. A few Spanish players have won two, but none of them has managed, so far, to catch up with the five greats.
Past achievements
Men’s EHF EURO participations (including 2022): 14
Winners (4): 1994, 1998, 2000, 2002
Silver (1): 2018