– There is ice in his veins, this is the sickest match I have seen, says SVT’s expert Nick Rajacic.
Watch the grinding finish in the player above.
In front of the eyes of Crown Princess Victoria and her family at a packed Court (8,906 spectators), Sweden won one of its biggest victories to date. Germany won World Cup gold in 2023 but failed to perform in the dramatic closing stages.
– These guys have become historic. The first time, as far as I know, that Sweden has beaten the world champions. It doesn’t have to look so nice, we don’t have to be so good at rebounds, only Christopher Czerapowicz is on the free throw line, says national team captain Mikko Riipinen to SVT Sport.
Creams with 43 points
However, the team came to the match against Sweden without several of its big stars, but in the team was David Krämer, who played at the top of his ability.
The Tenerife player was impossible to get hold of and put up 43 points, including eight threes. See three of his threes below.
In the end, Sweden with Melwin Pantzar in the lead managed to pick off Krämer at the same time as experienced Ludvig Håkansson set his sights. The Murcia player hit two threes and took Sweden from 63-72 to 69-72 in just 32 seconds.
– It’s one of the biggest bangers I’ve seen, says Nick Rajacic.
Return on Monday
The return match against Germany awaits on Monday, then away.
The victory was important for Sweden in the qualifiers and means that the team stands on four points after three games.
Other teams in the group are Montenegro and Bulgaria. The three best teams from the group go to Euro 2025.
Sweden Stuns Germany: A Match for the Ages!
As the arena hummed with anticipation, it felt less like a basketball game and more like an electric circus. With Crown Princess Victoria and her family seated among the electric 8,906 spectators, it was bound to be a moment that would echo through the annals of Swedish sport. Oh, and did it deliver!
The Sickest Match, Indeed!
Nick Rajacic, SVT’s basketball expert, aptly described it: “There is ice in his veins! This is the sickest match I have seen!” And crusty, ‘ole Nick doesn’t throw around such endorsements lightly. Coming off a World Cup gold performance, the Germans strolled in, perhaps underestimating their Scandinavian foes. That’s right, the last time I checked, snow was not synonymous with losing!
A Historic Moment
The captain of the Swedish national team, Mikko Riipinen, chimed in after the game, saying, “These guys have become historic.” Indeed, Sweden clinched their first victory ever against the world champions, and it didn’t have to be a perfect Picasso of a match—who knew “look ma, no rebounds” would get the job done?
David Krämer’s Spectacular Performance
While Germany missed a few of its heavy hitters, they still put forth a remarkable effort, led by superstar David Krämer, who evidently forgot that the Swedish defense existed. Dropping a whopping 43 points, including eight three-pointers, he made the Swedish defense look like they were playing a game of freeze tag, and he was anything but frozen. Just watch those threes—guys, they were practically on replay!
Melwin Pantzar and the Final Surge
But the tides began to turn! With Melwin Pantzar at the helm, the Swedish team found its footing, and experienced player Ludvig Håkansson took it upon himself to hop into the MVP slot. He drained two threes in rapid succession, propelling Sweden from a bleak 63-72 to a nail-biting 69-72 in just 32 seconds! That’s not merely a comeback, that’s a statement!
As Rajacic put it so eloquently, “It’s one of the biggest bangers I’ve seen.” Honestly, if that’s not a rallying cry for the Swedish fans, I don’t know what is! One could almost hear the chants of ‘Heja Sverige!’ echoing through the semi-frozen air.
The Road Ahead
But don’t hang up your jerseys just yet. The teams are set to battle again on Monday for a return match in Germany. It’s too early to declare the war won, but after this landmark victory, it’s safe to say Sweden has ignited its competitive spirit. With four points after three games, they are eyeing Euro 2025—right now, Montenegro and Bulgaria better watch out!
So there you have it—Sweden not only caught Germany napping but also pried the win out of their clutches, sending a message that this is one team you don’t want to underestimate. Ice in their veins? Nah, they’ve got fire in their bellies!
– There is a steely calm in his demeanor, this match has been the most thrilling showdown I’ve ever witnessed, proclaims SVT’s basketball expert Nick Rajacic.
Check out the exhilarating finish in the video above.
In a dazzling display before Crown Princess Victoria and her family, the packed arena, filled with 8,906 enthusiastic fans, witnessed Sweden achieve one of its most remarkable victories in recent history. Despite Germany holding the prestigious title of World Cup champions as of 2023, they faltered dramatically in the nail-biting final moments of the match.
– These athletes have etched their names in history. This marks the first time, to my knowledge, that Sweden has triumphed over the world champions. It doesn’t have to be a flawless performance; we don’t need to dominate rebounds, only Christopher Czerapowicz needs to find his rhythm at the free throw line, shares national team captain Mikko Riipinen with SVT Sport.
Creams with 43 points
Although the German team arrived for the matchup against Sweden without several prominent stars, they still showcased an impressive performance, particularly from David Krämer, who played extraordinarily well.
The Tenerife player proved to be unstoppable, scoring an astonishing 43 points, including a remarkable eight three-pointers. Be sure to get a glimpse of three of his spectacular three-point shots below.
Ultimately, Sweden, led by Melwin Pantzar, managed to successfully contain Krämer, while the seasoned player Ludvig Håkansson sharpened his focus. The Murcia standout nailed two crucial threes, propelling Sweden from 63-72 to 69-72 in the blink of an eye—just 32 seconds.
– This is one of the most explosive finales I’ve ever witnessed, remarks Nick Rajacic.
Return on Monday
Next up, the return match against Germany is set for Monday, where Sweden will face off in an away game.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated for Sweden in the ongoing qualifiers, positioning the team with four points after three competitive matches.
Other teams in the group include Montenegro and Bulgaria. The top three teams from this group will advance to Euro 2025.
### Interview with Nick Rajacic: SVT Basketball Expert
### Interview with Nick Rajacic: SVT Basketball Expert
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Nick! What an incredible game we witnessed between Sweden and Germany! You mentioned this was the “sickest match” you have ever seen. What made this game stand out for you?
**Nick Rajacic:** Absolutely! The intensity and the drama were off the charts. Sweden came out with a fire in their bellies and executed brilliantly, especially towards the end. When Ludvig Håkansson hit those back-to-back threes in just 32 seconds, it was electric! That kind of performance can turn a game in an instant.
**Interviewer:** Indeed! David Krämer had an outstanding game as well, scoring 43 points. Can you tell us about his impact on the match?
**Nick Rajacic:** Krämer’s performance was phenomenal—he was absolutely on fire! But what impressed me even more was how Sweden adjusted their strategy late in the game. They managed to contain him better, while also stepping up their offensive play. It showed their resilience and adaptability.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned that this is a historic win for Sweden since it’s their first victory against defending world champions Germany. How significant is this win for the team and Swedish basketball as a whole?
**Nick Rajacic:** It’s huge! Not just for the team, but for the whole nation. This victory is a statement that Sweden can compete on a global scale. It boosts their confidence as they head into future matches and qualifiers, specifically looking ahead to Euro 2025.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what does Sweden need to focus on for the upcoming return match in Germany?
**Nick Rajacic:** They need to maintain their momentum and confidence. It’s also essential for them to fine-tune their rebounding—while the defense stepped up at crucial moments, they can’t afford to let any team dominate on the boards. If they bring the same energy, they can certainly challenge Germany again.
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Nick! Any final thoughts for the Swedish fans after such an exhilarating victory?
**Nick Rajacic:** Just a reminder to keep the spirit high! This win was massive for Sweden, and it’s clear they’ve got the potential to surprise everyone. So let’s keep cheering and supporting our team as they march towards Euro 2025!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Nick! We appreciate it.
**Nick Rajacic:** My pleasure! Let’s keep enjoying this beautiful game.
