Gothenburg, Sweden – A record crowd of over 9,000 is expected tonight as the Swedish national basketball team faces Slovenia at Scandinavium, marking the first time the team has played before such a large home audience.The game comes after both teams suffered losses in their opening matches, raising the stakes for a crucial victory.
Swedish team captain Ludde Håkanson acknowledged the pressure, describing both Sweden and Slovenia as “two quite desperate teams.” He stressed the importance of replicating the energy from previous home games,emphasizing the need to withstand Slovenia’s aggressive style of play.
“They will press and play deny. If we can stand up to it, we have a chance,” Håkanson stated.
Håkanson expressed his excitement for the evening, calling it “absolutely amazing” and describing the atmosphere of playing in front of a packed Scandinavium as “magical.”
Head coach Mikko Riipinen outlined the team’s strategy,focusing on a high level of intensity on both offense and defense. “We have to defend the three-point line and work hard in all physical situations.Offensively, it’s about all five on the court looking for the same shot,” he explained.
Riipinen also voiced his confidence in the Gothenburg crowd, stating, “We certainly know that Stockholm has delivered many times, and are absolutely sure that gothenburg is doing the same.”
Despite the historic nature of the event, Riipinen emphasized the team’s focus on execution. “It is indeed our job as coaches to keep the team in the present and remind them of what is critically important in every situation,” he concluded.
