Sweden Knocked Out of EuroBasket 2025 After Narrow Overtime Loss to Spain
Sweden's national basketball team suffers a dramatic overtime loss to Spain, ending their EuroBasket 2025 run.
Key Points
- • Sweden lost 75-78 to Spain in an overtime thriller, resulting in their elimination from EuroBasket 2025.
- • Nathalie Fontaine stated the team has nothing to be ashamed of, reflecting their commendable effort.
- • Sweden needed an eight-point victory to secure a quarter-final berth but showed resilience in a close match.
- • Coach Robin Sandberg noted that the team is making progress against larger basketball nations.
In a dramatic conclusion to their EuroBasket 2025 journey, Sweden's national basketball team faced a heartbreaking 75-78 overtime defeat against Spain, the fifth-ranked team in the world. This loss means Sweden will not advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament held in Hamburg, finishing with a world ranking of 25th.
Sweden started the match strong, taking an early lead, but the first quarter ended in a tie at 16-16. As the game progressed, Spain took control, leading 31-23 at halftime. Despite trailing 42-50 heading into the final quarter, Sweden put up a fierce fight, rallying to tie the game at 64-64 with just over 20 seconds remaining, which forced an overtime period.
In the overtime, the tension increased, but Spain capitalized on crucial free throw opportunities to seal their victory by a slim three-point margin. Nathalie Fontaine, a prominent player for Sweden, expressed pride in her team's performance despite the elimination. "There's nothing to be ashamed of; we should be proud," she stated, reflecting on the effort put forth by the team.
Robin Sandberg, the coach, reiterated this sentiment, noting their progress in striving against larger basketball nations. This match showcased Sweden's potential growth, despite the unfortunate outcome that sent them home early from the tournament. However, the narrow loss and strong performance have left fans hopeful for the future of Swedish basketball.
As Spain advances to the quarter-finals, Sweden’s early exit has raised questions about their strategy and future development in the sport. The team aimed for an eight-point victory to guarantee a spot in the next round, demonstrating their enterprising tactics throughout the match, particularly in the closing moments of regulation when Ellen Nyström made critical free throws. They may not have achieved the desired result this time, but their determination and skill displayed in this match were commendable and have set a foundation for future competitions.