On Monday, the men’s national team gathers for the first time under the leadership of new national team captain Michael Apelgren. Two new players have been called up to the squad: Danish professionals Lukas Nilsson and Edwin Aspenbäck.
France in Orleans (November 6) and Denmark in Linköping.(November 10) stand for the opposition when the EHF Euro Cup begins next week. Michael Apelgren just over two weeks ago took out his first squad as national team captain but has now had to make two changes then Eric Johansson will be a father next week and Lukas Sandell is injured,
This means that Aalborg’s left wing Lukas Nilsson and Holstebro’s right wing Edwin Aspenbäck has been called in.
– Lukas has played many fine matches in Aalborg and is one of Sweden’s best in the position. It is a player we want into the heat, says Apelgren.
– That Edwin has been named player of the month in the Danish league, which is one of the best leagues in the world, says a lot about his recent achievements. He has had an exciting development in recent years and has many skills that suit our type of handball.
Lukas Nilsson has previously played six championships for Sweden and 73 A international matches, the most recent in January 2020. For Edwin Aspenbäck, it will be his national team debut.
THE SQUAD FOR THE EHF EURO CUP
6 november, 21.10: France, Arena Orleans, Orleans (broadcast on Viaplay)
10 november, 16.00: Denmark, Saab Arena, Linköping (broadcast on SVT)
Goalkeepers:
12. Andreas Palicka, Paris Saint-Germain, 164 A international matches/18 goals
16. Tobias Thulin, Pick Szeged, 66/0
51. Fabian Norsten, Aalborg Handball, 4/0
Left sex:
15. Hampus Wanne, FC Barcelona, 102/418
22. Lucas Pellas, Montpellier HB, 77/245
My sex:
5. Max Darj, Fuchse Berlin, 125/149
6. Felix Möller, Aalborg Handball, 19/17
32. Oscar Bergendahl, SC Magdeburg, 62/98
Right sex:
3. Isak Persson, SG Magdeburg, 7/13
13. Sebastian Karlsson, Montpellier HB, 21/65
Left Nine:
2. Jonathan Carlsbogård, FC Barcelona, 75/148
49. Karl Wallinius, THW Kiel, 35/39
65. Lukas Nilsson, Aalborg Handball, 73/185
Mittnio:
24. Jim Gottfridsson, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, 160/506
18. Ludvig Hallbäck, Fresh from Göppingen, debutant
28. Jonathan Edvardsson, TSV Hannover-Burgdorf, 25/15
Right Nine:
23. Albin Lagergren, SC Magdeburg, 116/344
29. Edwin Aspenbäck, TTH Holstebro, debutant
Photo: Bildbyrån (montage)
Sweden’s Handball Captaincy Shake-Up and New Players Join the Squad!
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn! The Swedish men’s national handball team is making headlines faster than you can say “goal!” It appears that the team is not just changing the game; they’re changing the players! On Monday, the squad gathers for the first time under the fresh leadership of none other than Michael Apelgren – a name that now officially comes with a side of excitement!
Two new players are stepping up to the plate – or should we say the court? Welcome to the mix, Danish professionals Lukas Nilsson and Edwin Aspenbäck, who will soon show us why handball is the most thrilling sport that doesn’t involve a ball of any considerable size (take note, football fans). With only a few days to go until the EHF Euro Cup kicks off against France in Orleans (November 6) and Denmark in Linköping (November 10), this team is about to serve some serious drama!
Now, here’s the kicker: Apelgren just named his squad two weeks ago. But lo and behold, just like that one friend who “just needs to find the perfect shirt” before a night out, changes are afoot. Apparently, Eric Johansson is off to welcome a new baby into the world, and Lukas Sandell has decided that injury is a more fashionable choice than showing up on the court (poor guy!).
Meet the Fresh Faces
Apelgren was all smiles as he made the announcements:
- Lukas Nilsson hailing from Aalborg, he’s played six championships for Sweden and boasts an impressive 73 A international matches – the last one being like it was in the Stone Age: January 2020.
- Edwin Aspenbäck is not just any player; he’s been named ‘Player of the Month’ in the illustrious Danish league – a league so fierce that it might just wrestle you to the ground before you can yell “goal!”
So, naturally, being brought on board has all the makings of a fairy tale, right? We just hope they don’t trip over the yellow bricks on their way to sparking glory!
Upcoming Matches
Mark your calendars for these nail-biting encounters:
November 10, 16.00: Denmark, Saab Arena, Linköping (broadcast on SVT)
Final Thoughts
Under Apelgren’s guidance, the Swedish national team seems ready to shake things up—goodbye stagnation, hello exhilaration! With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, this journey is bound to keep us on our toes. And if handball were an Olympic sport for dramatic flair, then consider these matches gold-medal-worthy!
Stay tuned, sports aficionados! Whether it’s a goal or a glorious blunder, you won’t want to miss a moment of this fantastic adventure into the world of handball!
Photo Credits: Bildbyrån (montage)
On Monday, the men’s national handball team convenes for the first time under the guidance of their newly appointed national team captain, Michael Apelgren. In a notable shift to the squad, two fresh faces have been called up: the Danish professionals Lukas Nilsson and Edwin Aspenbäck.
As they prepare for the EHF Euro Cup, which kicks off next week, the team faces off against France in Orleans on November 6 and Denmark in Linköping on November 10. Michael Apelgren has made swift changes to his initial roster, which he assembled just over two weeks ago, as Eric Johansson is set to welcome a child next week and Lukas Sandell is sidelined due to injury.
This necessitated the inclusion of Aalborg’s left wing Lukas Nilsson and Holstebro’s right wing Edwin Aspenbäck into the squad.
– Lukas has showcased remarkable skill in his performances with Aalborg and is considered one of Sweden’s top players in his position. It’s essential for us to integrate him into the team dynamics, says Apelgren.
– Edwin’s recognition as player of the month in the prestigious Danish league speaks volumes about his current form. His impressive development over the past few years has equipped him with a diverse skill set that aligns well with our style of play.
Lukas Nilsson is no stranger to international competition, having played six championships for Sweden and participated in 73 A international matches, his most recent appearance dating back to January 2020. In contrast, for Edwin Aspenbäck, this opportunity marks his debut on the national team stage.
THE SQUAD FOR THE EHF EURO CUP
6 november, 21.10: France, Arena Orleans, Orleans (broadcast on Viaplay)
10 november, 16.00: Denmark, Saab Arena, Linköping (broadcast on SVT)
Goalkeepers:
12. Andreas Palicka, Paris Saint-Germain, 164 A international matches/18 goals
16. Tobias Thulin, Pick Szeged, 66/0
51. Fabian Norsten, Aalborg Handball, 4/0
Left sex:
15. Hampus Wanne, FC Barcelona, 102/418
22. Lucas Pellas, Montpellier HB, 77/245
My sex:
5. Max Darj, Fuchse Berlin, 125/149
6. Felix Möller, Aalborg Handball, 19/17
32. Oscar Bergendahl, SC Magdeburg, 62/98
Right sex:
3. Isak Persson, SG Magdeburg, 7/13
13. Sebastian Karlsson, Montpellier HB, 21/65
Left Nine:
2. Jonathan Carlsbogård, FC Barcelona, 75/148
49. Karl Wallinius, THW Kiel, 35/39
65. Lukas Nilsson, Aalborg Handball, 73/185
Mittnio:
24. Jim Gottfridsson, SG Flensburg-Handewitt, 160/506
18. Ludvig Hallbäck, Fresh from Göppingen, debutant
28. Jonathan Edvardsson, TSV Hannover-Burgdorf, 25/15
Right Nine:
23. Albin Lagergren, SC Magdeburg, 116/344
29. Edwin Aspenbäck, TTH Holstebro, debutant
Photo: Bildbyrån (montage)
Nilsson, a seasoned player with six championships under his belt and 73 A international matches, last represented Sweden in January 2020. In contrast, for Edwin Aspenbäck, this will mark his debut on the national team stage, setting the stage for an exciting moment in his career.
The upcoming matches are crucial as the team aims to build chemistry and showcase their talent. The EHF Euro Cup matches against France and Denmark will provide an excellent platform for both veterans and newcomers alike to shine. Apelgren’s strategic maneuvers in selecting fresh faces suggest a keen desire to blend experience with youthful vigor, ensuring the team remains competitive on the international stage.
With the anticipation building and the squad now assembled under new leadership, fans can expect an exhilarating display of handball that may redefine the trajectory of the Swedish national team. The journey ahead promises to be thrilling, and supporters will be ready to cheer on their team as they embark on this new adventure!