After two losses in the group stage, including against Thursday's semifinal opponents, Åhman and Hellvig invited the Qataris for a training session.
Younousse and Tijan might regret that today.
Yes, they might. But nobody could know that we would meet again, says Jonatan Hellvig.
For the Swedish duo, it was significant. When beach volleyball teams train against each other, it often takes the form of tough match play, and Åhman/Hellvig felt that they were on par with Qatar.
It was a big boost for our self-confidence to get to come back a bit. To feel that we can play well and bring that to the playoffs, says David Åhman.
"Takes time to sink in"
It worked. When it mattered, the Swedish world stars delivered their best beach volleyball. And late on Thursday evening, they took a mighty revenge.
Yes, what do we say about this? It's completely crazy. We've been dreaming about this for so long, says Åhman after securing a spot in the Olympic Games final.
I think it takes a little time to sink in, says Hellvig.
If it can be said that there was a game plan in beach volleyball, it was exactly what unfolded below the illuminated Eiffel Tower in the first set.
It ended 21–13 after a mighty display.
In the second set, the Qataris went up to a four-point lead, but Åhman/Hellvig refused to make the same mistake as in the group stage, when they lost the match despite being up 1–0 in sets.
Five consecutive won balls, thanks to Hellvig's superior blocks and Åhman's sometimes incredible saves, turned the set around.
Meet German team
Barely 40 minutes into the match, Sweden had shaken off 20–17 and match point.
Qatar got a smash opportunity. One of the world's best blockers, Jonatan Hellvig, stood in the way. And could celebrate a historic Swedish Olympic Games final together with partner David Åhman.
In the final, they will face Germany's Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler, an opponent that usually suits the Swedish pair well. Åhman/Hellvig have ten straight wins and haven't lost to them in a year and a half.
The final starts at 22.30 on Saturday at Stade de Tour Eiffel.
It's such an amazing atmosphere here, playing evening matches with the Eiffel Tower lit up. You can only dream about it, and then to be in a final too, says Åhman.
