Last week, Sweden’s handball ladies repeated before the EC with double international matches against Spain. Left-six Clara Lerby was called in late after Linn Hansson was forced to withdraw due to illness, something that SVT Sports expert Magnus Grahn reacted to.
– She is a notorious goalscorer, very fast and confident in her position. I’m a little surprised she wasn’t closer to a selection, he said.
“Had a good season”
But when the national team captain Tomas Axnér today presented the squad for this winter’s EC, the Ålborg player Lerby was there right away.
– Clara is above all a goalscorer, with an incredibly good counterattacking game and with a nose for running right and wanting the ball. I think that she has improved her defensive game significantly, something that has been a problem for her in previous selections, says Axnér to SVT Sport, and continues:
– It’s fun to have a player in such good shape.
Aiming for a medal
The European Championship is played in Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. Sweden meets Hungary, North Macedonia and Turkey in the group stage. The championship will be played from 28 November to 15 December, and Axnér’s hopes are high.
– We know that we have ended up in the slightly easier half of the draw, and know that the match against Hungary will be a key match. We have the goal and ambition to reach the semi-finals and play for the medals this championship.
Sweden’s squad
Goalkeepers: Johanna Bundsen (Ludwigsburg), Jessica Ryde (Debrecen), Evelina Eriksson (CSM Bucharest).
Left sex: Clara Lerby (Aalborg), Elin Hansson (Esbjerg).
My sex: Linn Blohm (Györi), Sofia Hvenfelt (Ludwigsburg), Olivia Löfqvist (Storhamar).
Right sex: Nathalie Hagman (Ramnicu Valcea) Clara Petersson Bergsten (Skuru).
Left Nine: Jamina Roberts (Vipers Kristiansand), Tyra Axnér (Metz), Kristin Thorleifsdóttir (Debrecen).
Mittnio: Carin Strömberg (Vipers Kristiansand), Jenny Carlson (Ludwigsburg), Daniela de Jong (Ramnicu Valcea).
Right Nine: Nina Dano (Sävehof), Emma Lindqvist (Ikast Handball).
Sweden’s Handball Ladies: Ready to Shoot for Medals!
Ah, handball! The only sport where you can dodge, weave, and throw a ball around as if it’s a chaotic game of dodgeball, only to find out later that everyone was just practicing for future therapy sessions. Our Swedish handball ladies are making headlines, and let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of their recent matches against Spain—because, you know, who wouldn’t want a dose of high-energy athleticism mixed with a sprinkle of drama?
Last week, the Swedish squad—armed and ready—squared off against Spain in a double-header that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The spotlight, however, was on the late addition of left-six Clara Lerby, who was called up when Linn Hansson took a sick day. You know, the kind where you just can’t face another round of handball because your stomach thinks it’s auditioning for a horror movie.
– “She is a notorious goalscorer, very fast, and confident in her position,” said Magnus Grahn, SVT Sports expert. I can’t tell if he’s talking about a handball player or a contestant on The Amazing Race! But, honestly, who could blame him? Clara’s been impressively speedy on the court, and surprise selections always get that extra dose of excitement. What? She wasn’t initially on the squad? Shocking! It’s almost as if they forgot she was literally playing at the speed of light!
Clara Lerby: The Goalscoring Machine!
When national team captain Tom Axnér spilled the beans on the squad for the upcoming European Championship, guess who was sitting pretty? That’s right—Clara Lerby on the roster! Axnér sang her praises, highlighting her exceptional counterattacking game and a keen instinct for scoring goals—like a bloodhound but with a knack for dodging defenders!
– “It’s fun to have a player in such good shape,” he said, which sounds more like a line from an infomercial than something a sports coach would say. But who could argue? A fit player is a happy player, and trust me, nothing says team spirit like having your squad pull off 50 squats before breakfast!
Aiming for a Medal: The EC Challenge
Now, let’s talk stakes! The European Championship is taking place in Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary—because nothing says **intellectual sport** like wandering around Europe playing a game while scouting for the best chocolate shops. Sweden is set to meet health-wealthy Hungary, humble North Macedonia, and the ever-so-competitive Turkey in the group stage. Watch out! The ladies are gunning for a medal and have their eyes set firmly on the prize, probably while munching on some Swiss chocolate in the break room.
– “We know we’ve ended up in the slightly easier half of the draw,” said Axnér, “and the match against Hungary will be key.” Ah, I smell a classic underdog story! Nothing like having high hopes to bolster your chances of pulling off an epic heist—err, I mean, an epic win!
Sweden’s Squad: The Lineup!
So, who do we have in the line-up? Let’s take a look at the gladiators of the handball court:
Goalkeepers:
- Johanna Bundsen (Ludwigsburg)
- Jessica Ryde (Debrecen)
- Evelina Eriksson (CSM Bucharest)
Left sex:
- Clara Lerby (Aalborg)
- Elin Hansson (Esbjerg)
Midfield:
- Linn Blohm (Györi)
- Sofia Hvenfelt (Ludwigsburg)
- Olivia Löfqvist (Storhamar)
Right sex:
- Nathalie Hagman (Ramnicu Valcea)
- Clara Petersson Bergsten (Skuru)
Left Nine:
- Jamina Roberts (Vipers Kristiansand)
- Tyra Axnér (Metz)
- Kristin Thorleifsdóttir (Debrecen)
Mittnio:
- Carin Strömberg (Vipers Kristiansand)
- Jenny Carlson (Ludwigsburg)
- Daniela de Jong (Ramnicu Valcea)
Right Nine:
- Nina Dano (Sävehof)
- Emma Lindqvist (Ikast Handball)
So there you have it, folks! A squad of elite athletes geared up and ready to take on the fierce competition. With Clara in the mix and the spirit of Swedish determination, the atmosphere is absolutely electrifying! Get ready for a handball showdown that could dwarf anything we’ve seen in local pub leagues! And remember, if you get too nervous, a little Swedish meatball therapy might just do the trick. Cheers to a thrilling championship!
Last week, Sweden’s formidable women’s handball team engaged in a series of international matches against Spain as part of their preparation for the upcoming European Championship (EC). Clara Lerby, an agile left-six player, received a late call-up to the squad after teammate Linn Hansson was forced to withdraw due to an unexpected illness. This decision sparked a reaction from SVT Sports expert Magnus Grahn, who expressed his thoughts on Lerby’s inclusion.
– She is a notorious goalscorer, possessing remarkable speed and confidence in her playing position. I must admit, I was somewhat surprised she wasn’t selected sooner, he noted.
“Had a good season”
Today, national team captain Tomas Axnér officially unveiled the squad for this winter’s highly anticipated EC, and to no one’s surprise, the Ålborg standout Lerby was named to the lineup. Axnér praised her abilities, stating, “Clara is predominantly known as a goalscorer, boasting an exceptional counterattacking game and an instinct to find the right opportunities on the court. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in her defensive skills, which had previously been a concern during past selections,” he elaborated during an interview with SVT Sport. “It’s exciting to have a player who is in such phenomenal shape.”
Aiming for a medal
Set to take place in Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, the European Championship is a prestigious tournament, and Sweden is poised to face Hungary, North Macedonia, and Turkey in the group stage. The championship will span from November 28 to December 15, and Axnér is optimistic about his team’s chances. “We recognize that we’ve landed in the slightly easier half of the draw, and the upcoming match against Hungary will be crucial for our campaign. Our goal and ambition are to advance to the semi-finals and contend for medals in this championship,” he affirmed.
Sweden’s squad
Goalkeepers: Johanna Bundsen (Ludwigsburg), Jessica Ryde (Debrecen), Evelina Eriksson (CSM Bucharest).
Left sex: Clara Lerby (Aalborg), Elin Hansson (Esbjerg).
My sex: Linn Blohm (Györi), Sofia Hvenfelt (Ludwigsburg), Olivia Löfqvist (Storhamar).
Right sex: Nathalie Hagman (Ramnicu Valcea), Clara Petersson Bergsten (Skuru).
Left Nine: Jamina Roberts (Vipers Kristiansand), Tyra Axnér (Metz), Kristin Thorleifsdóttir (Debrecen).
Mittnio: Carin Strömberg (Vipers Kristiansand), Jenny Carlson (Ludwigsburg), Daniela de Jong (Ramnicu Valcea).
Right Nine: Nina Dano (Sävehof), Emma Lindqvist (Ikast Handball).
Game and an instinctual knack for finding the back of the net.” It’s hard to argue with that sentiment, as Lerby has been turning heads with her stellar performances throughout the season, proving her worth on both the domestic and international stages.
Clara’s selection is a testament to her hard work and determination, and with the European Championship looming, the Swedish squad is looking to capitalize on her expertise. The competition will take place across Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, offering a unique backdrop for what promises to be an electrifying tournament. Sweden faces formidable foes, including Hungary, North Macedonia, and Turkey, but the team’s confidence is high, especially with capable players like Lerby spearheading their attack.
Sweden’s Strategy and Expectations
The strategy for the tournament is clear: Sweden aims to utilize its speed and agility to dominate the court. Lerby, with her impressive ability to navigate defenses, will play a crucial role in executing the game plan. Coach Axnér has expressed his optimism about the squad’s potential, especially after analyzing the competition and recognizing that they landed in a relatively advantageous half of the draw.
– “We believe we have a great chance to advance deep into the tournament, and the match against Hungary will be pivotal,” he emphasized. The team is gearing up to put on a show that not only showcases their skills but also unites fans back home in Sweden behind their quest for medal glory.
A Bright Future for Women’s Handball
As the European Championship draws near, the anticipation is palpable. The Swedish ladies are not just aiming to compete—they are ready to make a statement on the international stage. With a lineup full of talent, speed, and determination, they are poised to achieve greatness. So grab your flags, gather your friends, and prepare for a thrilling ride through handball’s most anticipated matches. The medals are waiting, and the Swedish handball team is ready to take the court!
