Sweden was under pressure ahead of the meeting with Croatia in the Olympic Games.
After two losses in three matches – most recently against Slovenia in a bleak performance – a win was a must against Croatia.
In any case, a national team with high medal hopes with them to Paris would be able to reach the Olympic quarterfinals without help.
Moreover, without suspended Jim Gottfridsson and injured Felix Claar and Daniel Pettersson.
We had a meeting yesterday and everyone felt that we didn't do what we stand for against Slovenia. We talked it out, everyone who wanted to said something, and then we agreed that now we're going to beat Croatia. We know what we can do, says Pellas, the top Swedish scorer in the match.
"Gives confidence"
Sweden still has to win Sunday's group final against bottom-placed Japan. But the big win against Croatia could have been the turning point.
I think this gives confidence and a moral boost, and that we can play without two of the world's best centers and beat Croatia by eleven goals is awesome, says Pellas.
Sweden started a bit shaky. But after a timeout after a quarter, at a four-goal deficit, the turnaround began.
The "Blue and Yellow" finished the first half by scoring five goals in the last three minutes and taking a halftime lead of 18–15.
Directly in the second half, the winning streak continued with five straight Swedish goals.
After the break, it was a Swedish exhibition.
Goalkeeper veteran Andreas Palicka excelled with 15 saves. He also contributed offensively with two goals in an empty Croatian goal.
"The stupidest thing you can do"
The big win means that Sweden cannot miss the quarterfinals if they win against Japan. If they had won by less than six goals against Croatia, there was a nightmare scenario where the top five teams in Sweden's group would all end up with six points in the table.
Then, the goal difference would have been decisive for the fourth and final quarterfinal spot.
But we still have to beat Japan, otherwise it's a trip home on Monday, says national team coach Glenn Solberg.
The information about the goal difference was not communicated on the pitch, however.
We knew that the goal difference was extremely important, but to start thinking about the result is the stupidest thing you can do. It's about thinking about what you need to do, explains Solberg the strategy.
The status of injured Felix Claar and Daniel Pettersson is still unclear ahead of the Japan match.
European Championship 2024: Bronze.
World Championship 2023: Fourth.
European Championship 2022: Gold.
Olympic Games 2021: Fifth.
World Championship 2021: Silver.
