Sweden’s men’s handball team took third place at the European Championship, beating Germany 34-31 (18-12) in the minor final.

Handball ballPhoto: Anke Waelischmiller/Sven Simon/AFP/Profimedia

Sweden – Germany 34-31 (18-12), in the small final of the European Handball Championship among men

The two-year-old European champions missed out on qualification in last-gasp action after a semi-final with France, but beat Germany in the bronze medal match.

Sweden controlled the game, leading 18-12 at halftime, with a seven-goal margin at times.

Taking third place at the European Men’s Handball Championship, Sweden secured direct qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris.

For Germany, this is the fifth fourth place at the final tournament. The Germans also have two European championship titles, won in 1978 and 2007.

Instead, the Swedes boast five European championship titles, the most recent in 2022 and a silver medal in 2018.

France and Denmark will meet in the final of the European Men’s Handball Championship on Sunday at 18:45.