On Friday evening, Sweden lost again in qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, which now makes it very difficult for Sweden to advance to the next group and avoid the European Championship pre-qualifiers.
Estonia defeated the Swedes 88-77 at the Avicii Arena. The game looked good for Sweden at times, especially in the third period, but the overall performance left a lot to be desired. Union captain Mikko Riipinen was not happy with the team after the final whistle.
– I think our attitude and work effort are substandard. I tried to focus a lot on the physical part and the physical game. At the same time we have a lot of new players. Interaction also needs to be worked on, says Riipinen.
It is one some new players in this squad, especially at the striker and center positions. Before the game, star Simon Birgander was missing, having withdrawn from the collection. Other important players such as Viktor Gaddefors were also not involved.
That meant new names would get a chance. Before the game, DN spoke to the coach about Simon Birgander’s absence and how he would be replaced.
– We have very talented players with Viktor (Gaddefors) and Simon (Birgander) playing big roles, but now it’s also a chance for someone else to step up and show off and secure a place. “No one is happier than me when we have more players in every position who maintain the same level,” said Riipinen before the international match on Friday.
At the same time he was captain of the national team It is clear that the role Birgander is leaving is a large one and would require a team effort to replace the center. In the game against Estonia, Kenny Pohto, Pierre Hampton and Zaba Bangala were tasked with filling this role. A trio that only had 13 international caps to their name before Friday’s game.
– It’s clear, these are big pieces. “But then you have to try to fill the void and play really good team basketball, play a little aggressively and do your best,” Pierre Hampton said of replacing Birgander.
Hampton himself had a good evening with a team-high 23 minutes on the court, 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Kenny Pohto played his second competitive international match and was allowed to start as a center against Estonia. He finished the game with 2 points and 3 rebounds.
Do you now feel like you can gain a foothold in the national team?
– There is no stress. I’m waiting for my turn. Now I had the chance to help, so it was fun, but I’m just waiting for my turn. “I have nothing to talk about,” Pohto says.
The team captain and tall Star Ludvig Håkanson had nothing but praise for the new team members.
– I’m really impressed with them. It is not easy. They are used to playing very small roles or not being here at all. I think Kenny (Pohto), Zaba (Bangala) and Pierre Hampton are doing very well, so a lot of credit goes to them. But that’s not enough at the moment. “We all have to try harder,” says Håkanson.
– You may have moderate expectations of them. We expect one or two things from everyone. Taken together, this can perhaps cover Birgander’s big role in the team. “I liked the way they approached the game,” Riipinen said of the trio after the game.
Now the national team is attacking We are heading into Sunday’s game hoping to perform better than we did at the Avicii Arena.
– Now it’s even more difficult, it’s an away game. This is a challenge we face and it is important for our group and for the future of Swedish basketball that we get through games like this. For us coaches it’s about being brave and focusing on certain things. “You can’t change everything, but we have to make some adjustments,” says Riipinen.
Read more:
Sweden is likely to miss the World Cup – lost to Estonia
